Cadillac 1937 LaSalle VVI Information page 55

designed that fully met Cadillac's rigid requriements of
quiet operation, strength and owner convenience.
For the 1937 La Salles and Cadillac Series 60, Cadillac
engineers have designed a hypoid axle that overcomes these
objections. It is the strongest axle for its weight that is
known today. It is silent in operation. Although Special
E. P. lubricant is required, this lubricant has been much
improved and is now generally available.
One of the reasons for the long life and quiet operation
of the assembly is derived from Cadillac's design for a lower
spiral angle than is ordinarily used on the ring gear and
pinion teeth. This feature gives better and quieter tooth
contacts and reduces friction and bearing loads. Another
feature is that this design does not have the distortion
during heat treatment that is so pronounced in hypoid gears
having a higher spiral tooth angle.
By developing a hypoid gear that meets all of Cadillac's
requirements, the lighter and shorter wheelbase cars attain
a higher degree of interior comfort without marring the
exterior styling or causing mechanical difficulties than it
has heretofore been possible to attain.
The advantage of a hypoid axle is that it permits a lower
floor level than is possible with spiral bevel and undivided
propeller shafts unless ah unsightly and uncomfortable rear
Pinion Mounting
Hypoid Rear Axle Spiral Bevel Rear Axle
compartment floor tunnel is used. This is because the
pinion is mounted below center in the hypoid rear axle.
This results in a lower positioned drive shaft which in turn
permits lower floor levels without requiring tunnels to insure
proper clearance.
By having lower floor levels all purchasers of La Salles
and Series 60 Cadillacs obtain 2 ¾ additional inches of in-
terior headroom while the low roof line, necessary for up-to-
date styling, is maintained.
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