WOD 1480 Driveshaft DIY Builder Kit
WF03007
The WOD 1480 Driveshaft DIY Builder Kit is designed for builders who need maximum driveline strength in custom off-road, competition, and high-horsepower applications. Built with genuine Spicer 1480-series driveline components, this kit allows fabricators to build a custom-length front or rear driveshaft matched to the vehicle's wheelbase, suspension travel, axle position, and drivetrain configuration.
Large tires, deep gearing, aggressive throttle input, vehicle weight, and extreme suspension articulation place tremendous shock loads on off-road driveline components. The 1480 platform uses a larger universal-joint cross section and bearing-cap diameter than smaller driveline series, making it a strong choice for rock bouncers, Ultra4 Unlimited cars, competition crawlers, mega trucks, and other extreme-duty builds.
Includes:
- (1) Genuine Spicer Weld Stub
- (1) Genuine Spicer 1480 Weld Yoke
- (1) Weld Yoke Adapter
- (1) Genuine Spicer 1480 Slip Yoke
Important: This is a DIY builder kit and does not come assembled. Final measuring, tube cutting, fitting, welding, balancing, and assembly are required.
Optional Components: Driveshaft tubing and 1480 U-joints are available separately.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Wide Open Design |
| Component Manufacturer | Spicer |
| Product Type | DIY Driveshaft Builder Kit |
| U-Joint Series | 1480 |
| Recommended Tube Size | 2.5" OD x .250" Wall DOM |
| Application | Extreme-Duty Off-Road and Competition Use |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Installation | Fabricator Installed |
| Tube Included | Optional |
| U-Joints Included | Optional |
| Final Balancing Required | Yes |
Fitment
Universal Fitment for Custom Driveshaft Fabrication
Recommended Vehicle Applications:
| Vehicle Type | Common Series Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Competition Rock Crawler | 1480 |
| Ultra4 Unlimited Car | 1480 |
| Rock Bouncer | 1480 |
| Mega Truck | 1480 |
| Mud Racing Truck | 1480 |
| High-Horsepower Trail Buggy | 1480 |
| LS-Powered Competition Build | 1480 |
| Big-Block Off-Road Build | 1480 |
| Forced-Induction Off-Road Vehicle | 1480 |
| Extreme Driveline Shock-Load Application | 1480 |
Common Applications:
- Front driveshafts
- Rear driveshafts
- Custom driveshaft builds
- Rock bouncers
- Ultra4 race cars
- Competition crawlers
- Mega trucks
- Tube chassis vehicles
- Multi-piece driveshaft systems
- High-horsepower off-road vehicles
Fitment Notes:
- This is a universal builder kit and is not supplied for a predetermined finished length.
- Measure the vehicle at ride height and through the full suspension cycle before cutting the driveshaft tube.
- Confirm sufficient slip travel at full compression, full droop, and maximum axle articulation.
- Verify compatibility with the transmission or transfer-case output, axle yoke, pinion yoke, carrier bearing, and U-joint retention style.
- Confirm driveshaft operating angles and available chassis clearance before final welding.
- Consider driveshaft length, operating RPM, tube diameter, wall thickness, and critical speed when selecting tubing.
- Final welding should be completed by an experienced driveline fabricator.
- The completed driveshaft must be checked for runout and professionally balanced before operation.
Tech Insight
Why choose a 1480 driveshaft?
The 1480 series is designed for extreme driveline loads created by heavy vehicles, large tires, deep gearing, high horsepower, and aggressive driving. Its larger universal-joint cross section and bearing-cap diameter provide greater strength for competition and severe-duty off-road applications.
When should I choose a 1480 instead of a 1410?
A 1480 is typically selected when the vehicle's weight, tire size, horsepower, traction, or shock loading exceeds what would normally be expected from a 1410 system. Common examples include competition rock bouncers, Ultra4 Unlimited cars, mega trucks, forced-induction buggies, and high-horsepower big-block builds.
What U-joints work with this builder kit?
This kit is designed for standard 1480-series universal joints. We recommend genuine Spicer 1480 Universal Joint and U-Bolt Kits for compatible fitment, durability, and serviceability.
Does this kit arrive assembled?
No. This is a DIY builder kit intended for experienced fabricators. Final measuring, tube cutting, fitting, welding, balancing, and assembly are required before installation.
What driveshaft tubing is recommended?
Many extreme-duty off-road builds use 2.5" OD x .250" wall DOM tubing because it offers strong resistance to dents, torsional deformation, and rock damage. Final tubing selection must also account for finished shaft length, operating RPM, critical speed, vehicle weight, and available chassis clearance.
Can I weld the driveshaft without balancing it afterward?
No. Even a carefully fitted and welded driveshaft can have runout or weight imbalance. The completed shaft should be checked for straightness and professionally balanced before operation to reduce vibration and protect bearings, seals, transfer-case outputs, and pinion components.
How much slip travel should the driveshaft have?
The required slip travel depends on suspension geometry and axle movement. The slip assembly must remain safely engaged at full droop while retaining enough compression travel to prevent bottoming out when the suspension is fully compressed.
What other components are commonly paired with this kit?
Builders commonly complete the driveline system with:
- WOD 1480 Carrier Bearing Shaft Builder Kit
- WOD Single Ended Carrier Bearing
- Spicer 1480 Universal Joint and U-Bolt Kit
- Spicer 1480 Yoke with 1.5" x 10-Spline
What other driveshaft configurations does Wide Open Design offer?
Wide Open Design offers several driveline configurations for different vehicle weights, torque loads, and packaging requirements:
