Spicer U joints?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Spicer U joints?
I started pulling the rear out of my 77 today. It's just about out now, I am going to lower it by unbolting the rear crossmember. I loosened the two bolts on the crossmember so I think that will work. My question is - where do I get Spicer U joints? Also, do I need the heavy duty rear end cover? I will be doing some drag racing. With the new gears, 3:73, and maybe drag radials, should I expect any breakage problems? (See info in sig) Thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Re: Spicer U joints? (BKbroiler)
spicer u-joints are great, i run the greasable ones. you can get them from just about any parts store, try looking at 4x4 places, they usually have them in stock for the guys that really abuse joints. there is an arguement about solid vs. greasable, but most of research and real world tells me the only difference is life span increase with grease. the solids tend to break at the pins, and the greasies break in the body. the spicers are strong, most 4x4 mags run articles all the time about u-joint strength. as for the rear cover, it never hurts at add a little beef. Brian
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Re: Spicer U joints? (BKbroiler)
One of the local truck (tractor-trailer) parts houses is also a Spicer dealer, that is where I got my U-joints. I would try your local truck parts dealer. I used the no-zerk ones. I think Van Steel also sells Spicer.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Re: Spicer U joints? (BKbroiler)
The guy at Napa told me theirs are made by Spicer, ~$15.
I got the HD Cover from Muskegon Brake for $80. Mine snapped while torquing spring bolts. It was an old crack, about half of the break was rusted.
[Modified by PigPen, 1:59 AM 12/1/2003]
I got the HD Cover from Muskegon Brake for $80. Mine snapped while torquing spring bolts. It was an old crack, about half of the break was rusted.
[Modified by PigPen, 1:59 AM 12/1/2003]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Re: Spicer U joints? (Ed T)
Ed T - Thanks for the picture - but what holds the crossmember in there after the bolts are removed? I thought it would drop by its own weight. But I've been wrong before.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Re: Spicer U joints? (Ed T)
Ed T - Thanks for the detailed info. Your advice will be extremely helpful. One more question - when I reinstall the xmember with the differential hanging from it, will I be able to push it high enough onto the rubber bushings in order to get the bolts started? Thanks again.
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 569
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From: SLC, UT USA
Re: Spicer U joints? (BKbroiler)
This guy has them, he also sells some nice half shaft safety loops.
http://stores.ebay.com/id=16267669
http://stores.ebay.com/id=16267669
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Re: Spicer U joints? (dsagers)
Thanks for all the info.
Ed T - I ended up unbolting the cover from the diff case and I dropped it that way because I wanted to get it out today. Like you said, I will need a puller to get the xmember out. It looks like it will be easiest to put the whole unit back in as one piece, with the wood supports and the pry bar. Thanks again.
Ed T - I ended up unbolting the cover from the diff case and I dropped it that way because I wanted to get it out today. Like you said, I will need a puller to get the xmember out. It looks like it will be easiest to put the whole unit back in as one piece, with the wood supports and the pry bar. Thanks again.
