RZEPPA HALF SHAFT FRONT LEFT LONG NOS
Rzeppa Front Left Long Axle Shaft NOS
New Old Stock original part
Original New Old Stock (NOS) long left front axle shaft with Rzeppa constant-velocity joint for Dana 25 front axle. This is the inner shaft section which, together with the short outer section, forms the complete axle shaft assembly. Rzeppa-type axles were primarily used in WWII-period vehicles and early post-war models with 10-spline Dana 25 front axle.
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Type Rzeppa constant-velocity joint |
Condition NOS (New Old Stock) |
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Application Dana 25 front axle, 10 spline |
Side Left front (driver's side), long |
Features
- Original NOS part in new condition
- Rzeppa-type with ball bearing constant-velocity joint
- Long inner shaft for left front
- 10-spline connection to differential
- Fully preserved for long-term storage
★ This NOS part is a rare find for authentic restorations. The Rzeppa joint is renowned for its constant velocity transmission and greater steering angle (up to 29°) compared to later designs.
Application
Fits vehicles with Dana 25 front axle equipped with Rzeppa-type axle shafts. Rzeppa joints were primarily used by Ford during WWII and remained in use until early CJ-3A models. The long shaft is always installed on the left side (driver's side) and forms, together with the short outer shaft, a complete axle shaft assembly. Check your existing axle type before ordering — three different joint types were in use (Rzeppa, Bendix, Tracta), each requiring specific configuration.
Installation notes
Installation requires specific shimming: for Rzeppa axles, 0.060" (1.524mm) of shims are installed as standard between wheel flange and hub. The inner shaft and outer Rzeppa joint are connected by a mounting plate and three countersunk screws (early type with threaded end) or snap-ring (late type). Note: Rzeppa axles do NOT require a flanged spindle bushing — use standard bushing without flange or remove the flange. The outer seal in the axle tube must be present. When replacing from another joint type: the bushing at the end of the axle tube may need to be removed for clearance.
Compatibility
ONLY suitable for Dana 25 front axles with Rzeppa configuration. NOT interchangeable with Bendix or Tracta joints without modification of bushings and shims. The outer Rzeppa joints (outer ends) are identical left and right, but the inner shafts differ in length — the long shaft ALWAYS goes on the left front. Early type has threaded end with nut, late type has snap-ring. Check your spindle bushings: Rzeppa requires NON-flanged bushing (or remove flange). When converting from Bendix to Rzeppa: modification of shimming procedure necessary.
Historical context
The Rzeppa constant-velocity joint, developed by Alfred H. Rzeppa in the 1930s, was primarily used by Ford in GPW models during WWII. This ball bearing design with six balls in a cage offered superior constant velocity transmission and greater steering angles than the competing Bendix joint, which kept it popular in early post-war Jeep production until the early 1950s.
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This part is intended for the restoration of historic military vehicles. Fitting, aligning, deburring or reworking is part of that work and is inherent to the nature of these goods. Dimensional variation also exists between original vehicles.
Installation requires technical knowledge of the vehicle. Unsure whether this part suits your version? Ask us before purchase at info@willys.be.
This part fits:
| Model | Years |
|---|---|
| Military jeeps | |
| Willys MB (early) | 1941, 1942 |
| Willys MB | 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 |
📐 Diagrams & technical drawings
From the original Technical Manual TM 9-1803B — Ordnance Maintenance — Power Train, Body & Frame — only for Willys MB / Ford GPW (¼-ton 4×4)
