Corvettetodd

I am re installing the half shafts on my 73 small block car after having trailing arms and half shafts rebuilt and noticed when assembling the inner u joints to the diff yoke that there is about a 1/16 in. gap on both sides of the caps where they meet the yoke.. I didn't notice if the old u joints fit this way..

Does this sound correct? also I see the torque spec is 30 lb ft.. correct?

Duke94

Shouldn't be any gaps. The u-joint bearing should fit into the pocket in the yoke and inside the tab on the yoke. Do you have a picture?

Corvettetodd

I have not torqued it down yet.. I have read that there should be a gap to clamp down on the u joint bearing cap...

Corvettetodd

trying to figure out how to post a pic

Duke94

Should look like this when you're done.

Corvettetodd

I guess this is a big block rear end/yoke.. There are no u bolts, it uses thick metal caps , and the yoke is threaded ..3/8 -16 threads

redvetracr

small block and big block take the same U-joint

Peterbuilt

firstgenaddict

This is HD cap type rear - I just had my half shafts out and there is no interference fit when reinstalling them... they slide right into place and seat fully. If you have a gap... then either the caps are the wrong diameter
OR
perhaps you have the half shafts fully seated on the axle stubs and the trailing arms at full down extension which creates a slight tension situation especially if the rear stub shaft is not slid all the way out board. the most minor compression of the trailing arm will bring everything into alignment given all parts are correct.

naramlee

if you have a gap after torqueing them down, then the u-joints have begun moving, subsequently wallowing out the metal and should now be replaced

unless they are the wrong size which would be easily identified by a gap all the way around, if they are wallowed out it would be at 10 and 2 o'clock roughly where they would show wear as scuffing in the metal

Peterbuilt

Do you have the correct U joint?