Home 
The only drawback I see with closed knuckles is the turning radius, with open knuckles is smaller wich is better.
IMHO.
Axles & Drivetrain
Moderators: Cal_Gary, T. Highway, Monkey Man, robi
the other issue is that you have to put smaller joints in the axleshafts. Hence why most closed knuckle use birfield or ball type joints with a smaller radius. The smaller radius and fewer contact points result in higher stresses and lower torque carrying capability. This is, of course, assuming that the outside physical dimensions are the same.
EDIT:
one more thing, when the joint blows up, because it is closed, there is no where for the busted parts to go, except through the knuckle, ruining the axle tube as well as the shaft.
EDIT:
one more thing, when the joint blows up, because it is closed, there is no where for the busted parts to go, except through the knuckle, ruining the axle tube as well as the shaft.
