U joints
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 635
Likes: 3
From: Allyn WA
U joints
I am in the process of putting a zz4 crate with a tremec 5sp in my 66. It had a 327, 300hp powerglide. It will have a little over 400ft lbs of torque - not a lot, but a lot more than it had. All torque does is find the weakest link in the drivetrain and destroy that part. As soon as I can get the damn crossmember bushings to pop loose, the differential is going in for a rebuild. I am researching what kind of u-joints to use. Some think that it weakens the joint it if is drilled for a grease fitting, other don't. I was hoping to hear some opinions and some real life experiences.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 16
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13
Not to worry. It takes a bit of Forum experience before the search feature becomes obvious.
There are plenty who will be happy to answer your questions.
Repetition is the name of the game here. If people stopped asking questions? The Forum would be pretty dull.
Welcome to the Forum.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,468
Likes: 1,548
From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
If you use a grease-able U joint, make sure the zerk is placed in the compression position during installation. That will eliminate most of any weaknesses.
Doug
Doug
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,401
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From: Holly Springs, Nort Cackalacky / Jupiter, Florida
Thanks in Advance,
RK
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,015
Likes: 331
From: Southeast Missouri
Naturally, the cross at the spindle should also be installed so as to place the zerk in compression when power is being applied.
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Last edited by Ron Miller; Apr 9, 2011 at 03:40 PM. Reason: Two Joints per Wheel
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,000
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From: Puget Sound
That's the way I've installed them and NEVER had a failure, even on BB cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,317
Likes: 111
From: St Louis MO
The newest Spicer heavy duty u-joints are stronger and do not have the zerk fitting or the internal holes for the grease to travel in. The seals on these new Spicers are life-time guaranteed IIRC.
The mid-years take the 1310 u-joints in the drive shaft and 1350s in the half-shafts.
The mid-years take the 1310 u-joints in the drive shaft and 1350s in the half-shafts.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,191
Likes: 951
From: Corpus Christi, TX
If you're going to all that effort and expense, you might want to spend a few extra $ for big block stub axle flanges for your differential. Your new motor is in big block torque territory.
