Constant velocity stroking joint

A constant velocity stroking joint assembly, comprising:

• an outer race having a plurality of axially extending ball channels and axially spaced end stops;
• an inner race disposed within said outer race;
• an intermediate race disposed between said inner race and said outer race and supporting said inner race for angular pivotal movements relative to said outer race, said intermediate race having an outer surface extending between opposite axial ends of said intermediate race and formed with a plurality of axially extending ball channels aligned with said ball channels of said outer race, and abutments positioned to operatively confront said end stops of said outer race at extreme limits of axial stroking of said intermediate race within said outer race;
• axially extending rows of spline balls disposed between said intermediate race and said outer race in registry with said aligned ball channels to provide rolling support to said intermediate race during said axial stroking;
• and
• wherein said rows of said spline balls are supported to extend beyond said ends of said intermediate race to provide free rolling guidance of said spline balls during said axial stroking of said intermediate race between said extreme limits of axial stroke of said intermediate race within said outer race.