Never Break A CV Joint Again

With the introduction of the Rzeppa-type CV joint to common 4WD vehicles, a new era in off-road traction began. Unlike U-joints, CV joints allow smooth delivery of power even while the steering wheel is turned, maximising tyre-to-ground traction without vibration or oscillation through the wheel. Engine torque is spread across six bearings instead of just two bearing cups, distributing load more evenly and making the CV joint inherently stronger. Because of its design, a CV joint always maintains equal input and output shaft angles, keeping shaft speeds constant and earning the name constant-velocity joint.

Why Stronger CVs Matter Today

With factory 4WDs now running larger tyres and more horsepower than ever, upgrading CVs and driveline components is no longer optional for serious off-road use. Pioneers such as Longfield paved the way for competition-grade CVs, and thanks to modern CNC machining, advanced hardening processes and high-end chromoly steels, these upgrades are more affordable and widely available than ever, offering a massive step up from cheap, low-quality imports.

Longfield and RCV Performance

Today, Longfield CVs, manufactured by Trail Gear, are built from 100% chromoly steel, CNC machined and precision polished. The housings, axles and internals are made from forged 4340 chromoly, with dual heat-treated internal components for exceptional durability. The Longfield 30-spline CV delivers up to 40 degrees of steering angle and withstands more than 12,000Nm of torque, around double the strength of a factory Nissan GU Patrol CV.

RCV Performance, the original Longfield manufacturer, continues to lead the industry with axles and CV joints trusted worldwide for their strength and reliability. By using 300M internal components, RCV produces some of the strongest axles available. Their Ultimate IFS CV axles are specifically designed to overcome the limitations of stock IFS shafts, offering greater articulation for lifted or long-travel setups. In some cases, these even exceed the strength of solid-axle equivalents.

Extending CV Life and Protecting the Driveline

Like all components, CV joints lose strength as they wear. In solid-axle vehicles, a part-time 4WD kit can help extend life by reducing unnecessary load on the CVs. In IFS vehicles, diff drop kits or spacer kits, such as those from Superior Engineering, reduce CV angles, easing wear and prolonging reliability.

But once you upgrade CVs, the next weak point is often the locking hubs or hub gears. Toyota owners benefit from upgrading to chromoly hub gears or drive flanges, while Nissan Patrols, despite strong internals, are let down by fragile outer hub casings. Superior Engineering has solved this with billet 4140 free-wheeling hub casings, designed for maximum strength and backed by a lifetime warranty. These housings accept your existing internals, making for a quick 10-minute swap that dramatically increases reliability.

Built for Confidence

By combining chromoly CVs and axles with hub upgrades and driveline protection, you can transform your 4WD into a rig that not only tackles the toughest tracks but also lasts the distance. With the right setup, you’ll have the peace of mind to explore any track or destination, no matter how demanding.