replacing u-joints
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
From: You are here to build strength, not demonstrate it
St. Jude Donor '08
replacing u-joints
Gonna replace the u-joints in my '71.
I have the Service Manual, and "my dad's a TV repairman...he's got lots of tools"
To all who have done this:
any words of encouragement or little tid-bits that you think would help me??
she's got the clunk in the trunk syndrome and I need a project
I have the Service Manual, and "my dad's a TV repairman...he's got lots of tools"
To all who have done this:
any words of encouragement or little tid-bits that you think would help me??
she's got the clunk in the trunk syndrome and I need a project
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 288
From: ESCONDIDO CA
2025 C2 of the Year ('63 and '67) Finalist - Unmodified
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Driveline is straight forward-pretty easy.
I replaced both half shafts, complete with
new u-joints. Saved time and misery.
I replaced both half shafts, complete with
new u-joints. Saved time and misery.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
IF you replace the joints in the half shafts, make sure you bolt the flange to something solid BEFORE you attempt to remove or install them. Those flanges are pretty tough in torque, but easy to bend directionally. The flanges must be supported or they will bend and make it impossible to fit the new joints.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 104
Likes: 15
From: Bennington VT
I just replaced both rear u-joints in my 70 last weekend. What is critical is that the flange that holds the u-joint and bolts into the outside of both wheels is not square. You must bolt that flage to a piece of wood in order not to break the part when you extract the u-joint. I learned this hard way and had to purchased 2 complete halfshafts and flanges with the u-joints already installed and it took less than twenty minutes to bolt them in. I purchased the complete halfshafts parts from VanSteel and they were great to work with and would highly recommend.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
From: You are here to build strength, not demonstrate it
St. Jude Donor '08
I just replaced both rear u-joints in my 70 last weekend. What is critical is that the flange that holds the u-joint and bolts into the outside of both wheels is not square. You must bolt that flage to a piece of wood in order not to break the part when you extract the u-joint. I learned this hard way and had to purchased 2 complete halfshafts and flanges with the u-joints already installed and it took less than twenty minutes to bolt them in. I purchased the complete halfshafts parts from VanSteel and they were great to work with and would highly recommend.
only 75 and up
(well, thats what the website says
)I'll give vansteel a call
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Lansdale PA
I took the half shafts out of my 1969 about a week ago. Ended up having to cut 3 of the 4 u-bolts off. Sprayed PB Blaster on the u-joints for a week then tried pressing them out with a vise. They wouldn't budge. I was afraid to take a hammer to them so I took them to a machine shop. He even had problems with getting them out - and I don't think these were original because two of them had grease fittings. Machine shop charged $75. I still have to clean them up, paint them and install the new u-joints. Van Steel has them rebuilt with solid u-joints for $85.99. If I had to do it again, I'd send them out.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
For what it is worth...make sure that you do not install U-joints with grease fitting in them....and I use SPICER U-joints also. In my opinion they are worth getting. It is what I install at my shop.
DUB
DUB
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,713
Likes: 550
From: Seattle Washington
When I remove them I use a Cutting Torch and cut the U-Joint in 1/2 before I even start trying to press them out. Once cut in 1/2 You are only pressing one side out at a time and the chance of bending is greatly reduced. Generally they just tap out with a small hammer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,922
Likes: 839
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i avoided the hassle and had a pair made by a company in tampa i think it was less than 400 for the pair heavier gauge steel balanced painted ,spicer joints. i think the difference in price compared to running the risk of bending something and buying the joints was worth it. they said they are good for 600 h.p. i believe it. we used to make 1/2 shafts using ford 1 ton van driveshaft tubes these are better .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 1,949
From: Temple Terrace Florida
U Joints
Very easy to remove from the car and send to a shop. I had six joints replaced with Spicers for about $135. They even balanced my driveshaft for me. Dropped them off in the morning and got them back a few hours later. Jerry