While the differential is out for re-gearing...

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Feb 7, 2003 | 03:08 AM

The Dude

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From: Calif.

While the differential is out for re-gearing...

...I've got halfshafts hanging loose and a driveshaft that's out of the car completely.

Somebody tell me that doing the U-joints now would be a smart move and that I may not need a press to do them. Or that any number of local shops can press in new U-joints very inexpensively.

I've got the grease-able ones now and want to step up to solids. Anybody have a Spicer or Brute Force P/N for the halfshafts (4) and driveshaft (2) U-joints for a '76 with auto?

Feb 7, 2003 | 05:26 AM

Mystery Machine

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Cocoa Beach FL

Re: While the differential is out for re-gearing... (The Dude)

I replaced all six of my U-joints in my '73 and did not use a press. It wasn't amajor job, just a PITA. I just used the replacement U-joints from Ecklers.

Feb 7, 2003 | 05:34 AM

'79ProwlerOrange

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From: Seattle WA

Re: While the differential is out for re-gearing... (Mystery Machine)

i bought all new half-shaft U-joints pressed for prety cheap. i cant remember how much though. thats going to bug me now... :cuss

Feb 7, 2003 | 08:02 AM

GTR1999

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From: Connecticut, USA

Re: While the differential is out for re-gearing... (The Dude)

The 1/2 shafts can be a problem. If you press them you must support the flange or you'll bend it for sure. If you have a oxy torch then you can cut out the cross section and hammer them out. Do a search there's a lot of info on U-joints in the files. Check a truck part supplier for Spicers.
Gary

Feb 7, 2003 | 09:13 AM

GrandSportC3

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From: Lakeland, FL

Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran

St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17

Re: While the differential is out for re-gearing... (The Dude)

Don't go with the Brute Force U-joints.. Check the Drag Race section for feedback on the Brute Force ones... They frequently break... I used the solid Spicers. The part number (new part number since a couple of months) is 5-799X

:cheers:

Olivier

P.S. I use solid spicers and pull high 1.50's to mid 1.60' 60' times and so far no problems with them...

Feb 7, 2003 | 09:16 AM

GrandSportC3

Team Owner

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From: Lakeland, FL

Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran

St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17

Re: While the differential is out for re-gearing... (GrandSportC3)

FYI - The old part number for the Spicers was 5-627X. Some places may still use this number.. However - the new and improved version is 5-799X

:cheers:

Olivier

Feb 7, 2003 | 09:57 AM

bence13_33

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From: Clymer PA

Re: While the differential is out for re-gearing... (The Dude)

Dude:
If I recall, didn't you have a 3.08 rear end? What gear did you decide to change to?

Feb 7, 2003 | 12:10 PM

The Dude

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From: Calif.

Re: While the differential is out for re-gearing... (bence13_33)

bence13_13 I'm taking the 3.73 plunge. That ought to have a tangible effect on my 60' times--best-ever with the 3.08s was 1.76 or thereabouts.

Spicers, huh? Thankyaverymuch.

I'll look into them with the part numbers provided. Same # for halfshafts and drifveshaft? that's almost too easy.