Abstract: A slip yoke assembly for a vehicle drive train assembly includes a yoke shaft having an externally splined shaft portion and a slip shaft having a hollow internally splined portion disposed co-axially about the shaft portion of the yoke shaft. The yoke shaft and the slip shaft are axially movable with respect to each other and are engaged with each other for transmitting torque from one to the other. A flexible boot is provided for protectively covering the connection between the two splined members. The boot has a first clamping end disposed about the yoke shaft and a second clamping end disposed about the slip shaft. The first clamping end has a plurality of loops spaced circumferentially about the first clamping end. The loops are shaped to receive a band clamp and to retain the band clamp in position with respect to the first clamping end. The second clamping end has a plurality of loops spaced circumferentially about the second clamping end.

Abstract: An adapter for facilitating the measurement of the angular inclination of components having yokes secured thereto in a vehicular drive train system. The adapter includes a cylindrical shaft portion having an end portion connected to one end thereof. The shaft portion is sized to correspond to the diameter of the opposed bearing cup openings, whether cylindrical as found in a full round end yoke or semi-cylindrical as found in a half round end yoke. The end portion extends perpendicular to the cylindrical shaft and provides a surface upon which an inclinometer may be disposed to measure the relative angular orientation of the yoke. If desired, a slot may be formed in the surface of the shaft portion to accommodate one or more nibs formed on the half round end yoke.

Abstract: A seal between two telescoping members in a slip yoke assembly including a driveshaft section and a slip yoke. A circumferential groove is formed in the outer surface of one of the telescoping members of the slip yoke assembly. The groove defines an annular collar which extends circumferentially about the end of the slip yoke. One or more recesses are formed in the bottom of the groove. Additionally, one or more axially extending slots are formed through the collar. Preferably, the slots are angularly offset from the associated recesses by a predetermined amount. One or more radially inwardly extending protrusions are formed at one end of the seal. To install the seal on the slip yoke, the seal is initially oriented relative to the end of the hollow cylindrical end portion such that the protrusions are axially aligned with the slots. Then, the seal is moved toward the slip yoke until the protrusions engage the outer end surface of the slip yoke axially adjacent the slots.