Direct pinion mount joint assembly

A joint assembly, comprising:

• a first joint member drivingly connected to a second joint member by using one or more third joint members;
• wherein said first joint member has a first end, a second end, a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion and an outer surface;
• wherein at least a portion of said first joint member is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a first shaft and at least a portion of said second joint member is drivingly connected to at least a portion of a second shaft;
• wherein one or more first joint member tool grooves circumferentially extends along at least a portion of said outer surface of said first joint member;
• a nut having a first end, a second end, a first inner surface, a second inner surface and an outer surface;
• wherein said nut drivingly connects at least a portion of a third shaft to at least a portion of said second shaft;
• wherein said third shaft comprises a nut stopper portion circumferentially extending along at least a portion of an outer surface of said third shaft;
• wherein said nut stopper portion is disposed adjacent to an end of a plurality of third shaft threads on said outer surface of said third shaft opposite said second shaft;
• and
• wherein said nut stopper portion provides a positive stop for said nut preventing said nut from turning off or unscrewing when said joint assembly is in operation;
• and
• wherein one or more nut tool grooves circumferentially extends along at least a portion of said outer surface of said nut;
• and wherein said one or more first joint member tool grooves and said one or more nut tool grooves have a size and shape to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a tool therein.