tripod plunging joints (Figure38-6) consist of a central drive part or tripod (also known as a "spider"). This has three trunnions fitted with spherical
rollers on needle bearings and an outer housing
(sometimes called a 'tulip" because of its three-lobed,flower like appearance). On some tripod joints, the outer
housing is closed, meaning the roller tracks are totally enclosed
within it. On others, the tulip is open and the roller
tracks are machined out of the housing. tripod joints are
most commonly used as FWD inboard plunge joints.