Ujoint Installation Made Easy
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Ujoint Installation Made Easy
I just installed 4 u-joints in my half shafts in less than an hour with zero damage and no foul language was used in the process! I scratched my head for a bit last night and came up with the easiest way yet.... take one of the old bearing caps and remove the needles. Use a die grinder and surface conditioning disc to reduce the OD until it will slip into the shaft freely. Put two or three flat washers inside the old cap as spacers. Now insert the cross, start the "top" cup and insert the space holder in the "bottom". Support the shaft horizontal over your vise anvil surface and using a hammer tap around the circumference of the cap until the cup is flush with the hole. Now you don't need three hands, and the dexterity of a surgeon to keep all things aligned! Nothing can fall out or get over extended and have the needles come adrift. Simply flip the shaft over and tap the second cap home just like the first one... seat fully using an inverted 3/8 bolt as a punch and install the clips. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
...very clever lever...
I just installed 4 u-joints in my half shafts in less than an hour with zero damage and no foul language was used in the process! I scratched my head for a bit last night and came up with the easiest way yet.... take one of the old bearing caps and remove the needles. Use a die grinder and surface conditioning disc to reduce the OD until it will slip into the shaft freely. Put two or three flat washers inside the old cap as spacers. Now insert the cross, start the "top" cup and insert the space holder in the "bottom". Support the shaft horizontal over your vise anvil surface and using a hammer tap around the circumference of the cap until the cup is flush with the hole. Now you don't need three hands, and the dexterity of a surgeon to keep all things aligned! Nothing can fall out or get over extended and have the needles come adrift. Simply flip the shaft over and tap the second cap home just like the first one... seat fully using an inverted 3/8 bolt as a punch and install the clips.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 4
From: Oakland California
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,254
Likes: 82
From: Brampton Ont.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,074
Likes: 280
From: Dyersburg TN
use alum foil to wrap the u-joints and paint without removing. It stays in place, no tape and comes right off. Makes painting things a lot easier in engine bay too.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 6
From: Irving Texas
Has anyone here had their driveshaft and halfshafts balanced?
I'm going to replace the u-joints on all three and was thinking of getting them balanced as well. $150 for six u-joints installed and balanced. Inland Truck Parts
I'm going to replace the u-joints on all three and was thinking of getting them balanced as well. $150 for six u-joints installed and balanced. Inland Truck Parts
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,411
Likes: 1,551
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Good question!
Does keeping the front drive shaft yoke clocked even matter?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 2
From: Nixa Missouri
This must be pull u-joint and repair week.
This thread most certainly caught my eye. I havent changed out u-joints in over 25 years and I'm also interested in this method as well as the socket removal method if it's ok to share here or please P/M me.
I just droped my rear diff tonight and I'm sitting starring at the u-joints trying to figure how to do it. Do the auto parts store have u-joint removal tools to rent or use?
What Brand of u-joints are you going with?
Thanks, GG
This thread most certainly caught my eye. I havent changed out u-joints in over 25 years and I'm also interested in this method as well as the socket removal method if it's ok to share here or please P/M me.
I just droped my rear diff tonight and I'm sitting starring at the u-joints trying to figure how to do it. Do the auto parts store have u-joint removal tools to rent or use?
What Brand of u-joints are you going with?
Thanks, GG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,411
Likes: 1,551
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
I was told to either buy or build a special tool to avoid bending the half shaft flange.
Bolting the half shaft flanges together worked for me.
Bolting the half shaft flanges together worked for me.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 367
Likes: 1
From: Christchurch Canterbury
Just replaced my half shaft U joints yesterday.
They looked original, so I guess they have been there 40 years or so, and thats where they wanted to stay!!
15 ton press would no budge them even after overnight soak in penetrate!
I the end we had to cut the crosses out and individually punch out the caps.......( on the press)
Some drama but a result in the end.
If you need to cut, use a thin cutting wheel, works well
They looked original, so I guess they have been there 40 years or so, and thats where they wanted to stay!!
15 ton press would no budge them even after overnight soak in penetrate!
I the end we had to cut the crosses out and individually punch out the caps.......( on the press)
Some drama but a result in the end.
If you need to cut, use a thin cutting wheel, works well
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
It wouldn't hurt, but where driveline balance becomes critical is when you are using a 6 speed (which you probably don't have). With the driveshaft turning twice as fast (.5 overdrive) as the crankshaft the balance has to be near perfect.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 802
Likes: 1
In response to OP, I've truned down an old bearing cap as well for installation. But I've also installed the needles in it. This keeps everything aligned during installation and is much easier to install.
I don't understand the use of the washers from the OP
Steve L.
73 coupe since new
I don't understand the use of the washers from the OP
Steve L.
73 coupe since new
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Hi all. Sorry for no photos... dial up is a PITA and Photobucket is so loaded with extraneous content I gave up after 1/2 hour trying to load a single pic.
SteveL... the washers are there to take up enough slack so the cross cannot accidently be withdrawn far enough to allow the needles to come adrift in the cap. Until both caps are pretty far down in the bore you (well I do at least) wish for a third hand, or second person to hold the shaft steady, keep the cross in the cap so the needles remain in place, juggle the alignment and run the hammer all at the same time. My technique frees a hand from keeping tension on the cross which speeds things up considerably.
SteveL... the washers are there to take up enough slack so the cross cannot accidently be withdrawn far enough to allow the needles to come adrift in the cap. Until both caps are pretty far down in the bore you (well I do at least) wish for a third hand, or second person to hold the shaft steady, keep the cross in the cap so the needles remain in place, juggle the alignment and run the hammer all at the same time. My technique frees a hand from keeping tension on the cross which speeds things up considerably.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 518
Likes: 12
From: Panhandle
Here are three (3) articles that cover u Joints on driveshafts and 1/2 shafts. Enjoy.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/Tran...placement.html
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/Tran...placement.html
http://www.secondchancegarage.com/pu...ft-u-joint.cfm
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/Tran...placement.html
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/Tran...placement.html
http://www.secondchancegarage.com/pu...ft-u-joint.cfm
Last edited by TeaEye; Sep 17, 2010 at 11:44 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,254
Likes: 82
From: Brampton Ont.
Anyone know what the part # is for the spicer/dana U-Joints on the 75' auto driveshaft. I think it maybe sp-5-790x. Any recomendation on where to get the best price. Are the u-joints different between half shaft and driveshaft? I think the driveshaft maybe 5-799x.
Thanks
Thanks