4826-45A – Weld Yokes – 1480 Series – Butt Dia 4.344″ – Tube Dia Wall 4.500X0.083

Tube Size Reduction: The 4826-45A steps down from 5.000" to 4.500" tube while remaining in the 1480 series. The 4.500" tube at 0.083" wall provides approximately 10% less weight than the 5.000"x0.125" combination -- relevant when total shaft weight matters more than maximum critical speed. The trade-off is a lower critical speed ceiling at 4.500" OD versus 5.000" OD for the same span.

The 4826-45A offers a lighter build option in the 1480 aluminum family. The 4.344" butt diameter corresponds to the 4.500"x0.083" tube bore (4.500" - 2x0.083" = 4.334" bore; 4.344" butt provides 0.010" interference). The 2.250" CL-to-weld is compact, keeping the yoke body short while maintaining adequate clearance from the joint journals during MIG welding. Aluminum welding protocol applies: remove oxide with stainless wire brush immediately before welding, use 4043 or 5356 filler, and maintain low interpass temperature to avoid softening the 6061-T6 heat-affected zone below T4 temper. This weld yoke requires the standard 1480-series U-joint at 1.375" cap diameter. Neapco and Spicer 1480 joints are both compatible at this ear bore.