Spicer U-Joints
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Winchester CA
Spicer U-Joints
Where can I buy Spicer Solid (no grease fittings) u-joints for my '80 shark. I need them for the driveshaft and both half shafts. Please recommend any websites with a solid reputation. Are these better than u-joints with the grease fittings?
Thanks and keep passing the wave
Thanks and keep passing the wave
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Ft. Wayne is supposed to be cool about it, BUT, apparently there has been a recent change by Spicer, and so the grease cup seals, that rubber on the ends of the bearing caps....SPLITS and cracks....
inferior quality....so be aware....
IMO, I been using Brute Force for a long time now...275/50/17 rubber but I don't drag race....been fine for me for some ten years + now...
inferior quality....so be aware....
IMO, I been using Brute Force for a long time now...275/50/17 rubber but I don't drag race....been fine for me for some ten years + now...
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 7
From: dallas pa
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Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
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From: Clearwater FL
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
I'm confused. I said that 1350's would work for a driveshaft but you need to mod or buy a new shaft. 1350's are in stock 1/2 shafts from 63-96 except 80-81 auto. Stock driveshafts from 71-79 use 1330 u-joints.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 4
From: Miami FL
to my surprise today when I was swapping out my newly bought (August) 3" half shafts from Fort Wayne Clutch trying to figure out where a new 80+mph driveline vibration was coming from I found my Spicer's plastic seals had cracked right off after only 500 miles.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
This change is not recent. They have been that way for about 2 yrs now. Neapco joints are another good alternative.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 4
From: Miami FL
I checked them all for cracks as when they arrived in the box from Fort Wayne Clutch 1 of them had the cracked ring. So I honestly carefully inspected them all and did not find any other cracks. I would understand maybe me missing 1 cracked ring, but 2 I find very hard to believe. I might get them replaced with some of the other recommendations you guys have posted as this is getting old replacing stuff that was just recently installed.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, Ohio
Can someone explain the difference between the two exactly- for me and future readers?
I presume its for increase HP tolorance since they are solid? If so what HP level are we talking?
I just put 2 new Federal-mogul zerk type U-joints on my drive shaft.
I thought that was a good thing? I'm making around 350 HP max.
I presume its for increase HP tolorance since they are solid? If so what HP level are we talking?
I just put 2 new Federal-mogul zerk type U-joints on my drive shaft.
I thought that was a good thing? I'm making around 350 HP max.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
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From: Clearwater FL
2armor
Greaseable joints have a hollow channel that runs to each cap of the joints. By being hollow it's weaker. Solid joints are just that. Solid all the way through. Solid joints are stronger and handle more toque. It's tuff to put HP ratings on parts, especially u-joints. I would say greaseable joints are good to about 350hp. Anthing over that I would go w/solids. Plus with solid joints, you don't have to maintain them and they don't sling grease everywhere. For the extra couple bucks it's worth it in my opinion.
I think you'll be fine with the greaseable joints you put in your driveshaft. Most of the time the 1/2 shafts go before the driveshaft.
Greaseable joints have a hollow channel that runs to each cap of the joints. By being hollow it's weaker. Solid joints are just that. Solid all the way through. Solid joints are stronger and handle more toque. It's tuff to put HP ratings on parts, especially u-joints. I would say greaseable joints are good to about 350hp. Anthing over that I would go w/solids. Plus with solid joints, you don't have to maintain them and they don't sling grease everywhere. For the extra couple bucks it's worth it in my opinion.
I think you'll be fine with the greaseable joints you put in your driveshaft. Most of the time the 1/2 shafts go before the driveshaft.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: MONTREAL QUEBEC
Just checked at NAPA and they told me they have Neapco performance U joints which are non greaseable. It says NAPA on the box but their tech rep insists they are made by Neapco. Would anybody know if these are the same as the Brute Force? Is Brute Force made by Neapco?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, Ohio
2armor
Greaseable joints have a hollow channel that runs to each cap of the joints. By being hollow it's weaker. Solid joints are just that. Solid all the way through. Solid joints are stronger and handle more toque. It's tuff to put HP ratings on parts, especially u-joints. I would say greaseable joints are good to about 350hp. Anthing over that I would go w/solids. Plus with solid joints, you don't have to maintain them and they don't sling grease everywhere. For the extra couple bucks it's worth it in my opinion.
I think you'll be fine with the greaseable joints you put in your driveshaft. Most of the time the 1/2 shafts go before the driveshaft.
Greaseable joints have a hollow channel that runs to each cap of the joints. By being hollow it's weaker. Solid joints are just that. Solid all the way through. Solid joints are stronger and handle more toque. It's tuff to put HP ratings on parts, especially u-joints. I would say greaseable joints are good to about 350hp. Anthing over that I would go w/solids. Plus with solid joints, you don't have to maintain them and they don't sling grease everywhere. For the extra couple bucks it's worth it in my opinion.
I think you'll be fine with the greaseable joints you put in your driveshaft. Most of the time the 1/2 shafts go before the driveshaft.
