The patented A.R.E. System is a double-taper drive shaft and coupling designed to greatly reduce the time and effort needed to remove and replace drive shafts. When used with tools developed by A.R.E. for drive train maintenance, the System typically cuts installation time in half. System drive shafts are made of the finest shaft materials and are individually inspected to ensure the tapers have less than .003” T.I.R. runout and the coupling face runout is within .002” T.I.R. The shafts are straightened to less than .002” on 42” centers, producing a complete assembly far exceeding industry standards.

The A.R.E. System features several innovations to minimize installation time. The System shaft (4) and coupling (6) are machined with steeper tapers. This allows easy shaft removal from the coupling, yet maintains a snug and concentric fit. The shaft is secured to the coupling with a woodruff key (5) and a flanged retaining nut (8). A self-locking set screw (7) through the side of the coupling seats on the flange of the retaining nut, providing a positive lock that disassembles easily for service. The retaining nut recess of the coupling is threaded for a Separator (9). The Separator is a jacking plug which, when threaded into the retaining nut recess with the nut removed, pushes the shaft out of the coupling.

Also available are specialized tools for drive shaft maintenance. The offset prop wrench (D) fits the prop nut and the Ironman prop puller. The Ironman prop puller (C) removes 3-blade and 4-blade propellers quickly and efficiently. The coupling wrench (B) prevents the shaft assembly from turning when removing the retaining nut. The System socket (A) is used to remove the retaining nut, and will work on boats with as little as 1” clearance between the coupling face and the transmission flange.