Greasable u-joints
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 2
From: Sherwood Park AB
Greasable u-joints
I know the one piece U-joints are stronger, but I installed the greasable type before I knew better. How many people actually break them with street tires?
My 400 ci ran a 13.3 1/4 mile in a 3900 lb camaro. I have done a few burnouts and haven't had any problems. Just to let you know that I am paranoid now that I am going to bust a U-joint. Thanks.
My 400 ci ran a 13.3 1/4 mile in a 3900 lb camaro. I have done a few burnouts and haven't had any problems. Just to let you know that I am paranoid now that I am going to bust a U-joint. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
IMHO, for normal operation in an otherwise underpowered car, they shouldn't really pose any problems as long as they are installed correctly and maintained.
However, the drag strip is not normal operation, and a 13.3" 3900# Camaro isn't exactly underpowered. If you're going to track it very often, or do other such "spirited" driving with it, I'd seriously consider the solid Spicers before one lets go and costs you a lot more than just a few bucks and a couple of hours. Then you'll sleep better... Just my $0.02.
However, the drag strip is not normal operation, and a 13.3" 3900# Camaro isn't exactly underpowered. If you're going to track it very often, or do other such "spirited" driving with it, I'd seriously consider the solid Spicers before one lets go and costs you a lot more than just a few bucks and a couple of hours. Then you'll sleep better... Just my $0.02.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Duvall, WA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Duvall, WA
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NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Extended life U-joints have no zerks, therefore don't need greasing. U-joints with zerks need greasing, otherwise why would there be zerks? I know it's circular logic, but no manufacturer goes to the trouble of drilling and installing zerks in a u-joint that doesn't need greased.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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From: Dayton, Ohio
There is an inner and outer side of a u-joint.If they are installed correctly they are easy to grease.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,135
Likes: 3,939
From: Connecticut, USA
I cracked in 1/2 a USA made NAPA grease joint, shifting at 3k RPM with a targetmaster 350-250 hp, 336 gears with st tires! It had 18k miles on it.
I installed TRW joints with zerks on my 72 a couple of years ago only because I had them on the shelf. I tossed them after 800 miles and put in spicer solids. You may be ok but I'd rather spend the $100+ and put on Spicers. All my vette have them now and I installed many on friends vettes.
My son blew his diff apart but the spicers were rock solid.
It's your car, good luck.
I installed TRW joints with zerks on my 72 a couple of years ago only because I had them on the shelf. I tossed them after 800 miles and put in spicer solids. You may be ok but I'd rather spend the $100+ and put on Spicers. All my vette have them now and I installed many on friends vettes.
My son blew his diff apart but the spicers were rock solid.
It's your car, good luck.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,841
Likes: 959
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
In my youth I had a solid unit go dry and wear out on me. I just got in the habit of installing the greasable types in my shafts after that. I don't drag race, but I've been running a big block in autocross and roadcourse outings for years without a problem.
Not recommending one type over the other, but just relating that there does not seem to be a night and day difference in reliability in applications where the clutch isn't dumped a lot.
DWncchs is correct. When they're installed correctly it's not a big deal greasing them.
Not recommending one type over the other, but just relating that there does not seem to be a night and day difference in reliability in applications where the clutch isn't dumped a lot.
DWncchs is correct. When they're installed correctly it's not a big deal greasing them.
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Gastonia NC
Listen to the advice from those who know. Most of the vendors will tell you they ae fine - they know nothing other than how to sell parts and make a quick buck. Most of the junk you can get from these "vendors" is Chinese junk - You can expect Chinese junk from Hong Kong Buffet or City Wok. Unfortunately most of these "vendors" sell this junk too, just for a higher profit.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Streator Illinois
Good advice from Z-man. You can install them 90 degrees from the way they ought to be and they might look ok and will work fine under light loading but the strength of the cross is compromised.
Terry