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Half-shalf U-Joint screw?

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Old Jul 14, 2003 | 08:58 AM
  #1  
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Default Half-shalf U-Joint screw?

I finally got under there to see what broke. It turns out to be two of the screws holding the U-joint to the yoke coming out of the differential. They broke off clean, and I tried long enough to get the screws out until I'm good and sunburnt now.:nonod::banghead: I've got to take it in to get fixed by a pro.(I have to get it done for the Black Vette Event)

So my question is, if I take the half-shaft completely out (just that side) can I drive it for about 10 miles to my mechanic? And if so, what the hell kind of screws are those? They are not 6point or 12 point standard sockets, nor are they torx. Never seen them before. I resisted the urge to use vice-grips on the hunch that someone could let me know what they are.:confused:

Thanks for all the assistance, and see ya at the Black Vette Event on August 9th.

DUH, sorry it's Monday...it's a 1980.


[Modified by Laserjohn, 5:59 AM 7/14/2003]


[Modified by Laserjohn, 6:03 AM 7/14/2003]
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Old Jul 14, 2003 | 09:08 AM
  #2  
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (Laserjohn)

So my question is, if I take the half-shaft completely out (just that side) can I drive it for about 10 miles to my mechanic?

I personally would not drive the car without the 1/2 shaft. It is part of the suspension holding the camber of the tire. Also the posi clutches might take a beating.
I know some will disagree with this but I wouldn't do it.
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Old Jul 14, 2003 | 02:13 PM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (norvalwilhelm)

:iagree: Get it flat bedded to the shop. It depends on if you have an auto or manual for the bolts. They are either 6 or 12 point. I make HD caps for 1/2 shafts also.
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Old Jul 14, 2003 | 05:53 PM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (Laserjohn)

My bolts were 12 point. Go with Vansteel reccomendation of flatbed. By the way, vansteel, how much are the girdles?
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Old Jul 15, 2003 | 01:20 AM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (Laserjohn)

The bolts are 1/4" with 12 point heads. Get a good quality socket to remove them. Van Steel sells the 6 point replacement bolts, that is what I went with. :)
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Old Jul 15, 2003 | 08:14 AM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (mapman)

Sorry i don't sell girdles.
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Old Jul 15, 2003 | 09:27 AM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (Van Steel)

WTF are HD caps then??? :confused:
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Old Jul 15, 2003 | 09:42 AM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (boredsoIstrokedit)

exactly that, HD Caps. The HD caps are $32.99 each for the 63-79 vettes. If you have an 80-82 than it's $230. for the kit. If you have u-bolt stlye in there now(63-79) than you have to change your side yokes becuase the u-bolts style yokes do not have threads to bolt the cap in. I have them listed on my web site. Go to the pull down menu and go to Axle Shafts than 63-82. Part number HS-23.

Also, I would appreciate you not swearing at me. Girdles are a part of the engine. I try to help everyone out here.
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Old Jul 16, 2003 | 05:50 PM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (Van Steel)

Would there be any problems using 1/4-28 socket head cap screws instead of the 12 point cap screws for the u-joints?
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Old Jul 16, 2003 | 06:15 PM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (vettenoir)

Would there be any problems using 1/4-28 socket head cap screws instead of the 12 point cap screws for the u-joints?
The 12 pt heads can be a PITA, I was lucky and didn't have any problems removing them from my 1980. The 6 pt bolts work well, clearance might be an issue with the socket heads. I would call Van Steel and ask them, they were very helpful when I was rebuilding the suspension on my car. VS did a great job on my trailing arms and answered a LOT of questions.
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Old Jul 16, 2003 | 08:55 PM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (Laserjohn)

Don't drive the car without the HS. big mistake for your Differential...
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Old Jul 16, 2003 | 09:33 PM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (Clink69)

I learned something here. My yokes for the half shafts on the differential side have caps not u bolts. Am I correct then in assuming they are aftermarket? 1974 automatic L48

RJ
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Old Jul 17, 2003 | 01:24 AM
  #13  
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (mapman)

No, no no. you got me all wrong. I wasn't swearing at you in a disrespectfull manner. I was simply confused. I guess it was a little to colloquial and not directed correctly. :cheers:
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Old Jul 17, 2003 | 10:04 AM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (Tired74)

Tired74 - Could be right. SB came w/u-bolts and BB came w/straps

BoredsoIstrokeit - It's OK
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Old Jul 17, 2003 | 10:53 AM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (Van Steel)


If I read your post correctly, than I now know why I always wanted a 79 and shouldn't
have settled for an 81...

The HD caps are $32.99 each for the 63-79 vettes.
If you have an 80-82 than it's $230. for the kit.
Why are the 79 caps $33, the standard 81 caps $12 and the HD 81 caps, $230 :eek:
I see a drill and something else in the kit, but why such a difference?

Also note, the non-greasable U-joints look similar on the outside to the greasable ones.
Is it really solid in there, or did they just not cut a hole for the grease nipple?


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Old Jul 17, 2003 | 11:26 AM
  #16  
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (adam)

The HD caps for the 63-79 cars are $32 b/c you have to get different side yokes (if you have the u-bolt style). You need side yokes that are threaded.

The $12 strap is just a new stock replacement.

If you have an 80-82 car than you need to drill out your existing holes and tap them to fit the HD caps. That kit has the drill bit, tap, allen head bolts, and socket.
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Old Jul 17, 2003 | 03:38 PM
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Default Re: Half-shalf U-Joint screw? (Van Steel)

For those that haven't seen them, here's what the HD caps look like from Van Steel. http://www.c3sharktank.com/tech2/ujo...jointcaps.html I highly recommend them, they are WAY better than stamped ones. :thumbs:
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