I went to install the u-joints (marked spicer) into the halfshalf spindle flanges and they are slightly too large to fit. I got them from L.I. corvette. Has anyone had a similar experience, or recommendation of where else I can purchase ones that fit?
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Re: C2 HALFSHAFT U-JOINTS
In what dimension are they too large? Too long or cup diameter?
Installing the joint into the spindle flange is very difficult to do without a proper fixture to support the flange while pressing or driving the joint in. If it went into the half shaft yoke but not the spindle flange then you have a problem with the flange bending. I use a spare outter axle yoke that I bolt the half shaft flange to. If you don't support the flange it will distort and make it impossible to get the joint in. Most of the time, the flange is damaged in the process and it's hard to tell what's going on until the flange is badly distorted and ruined.
The joints are common to 63-79 and I'd have to think that LI would know the Spicer part # in their sleep. -
Re: C2 HALFSHAFT U-JOINTS
Gerry, they are too "wide" to install in the flanges by about 1/8". I can't even get to the point of installing the caps. I had the old ones removed at a shop that specializes in driveline components, so I don't believe they damaged them when removing the old ones. They do, however, fit into the half-shalts. I have tried all four in both flanges, and they all appear to be not fitting by the same margin.Comment
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Re: C2 HALFSHAFT U-JOINTS
Gerry, now that I think about, I was the one who removed the old joints and certainly could have bent the flanges in the process. Is straightening them out feasable, and should I do that, or let the shop that is going to install the new ones do it?Comment
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Re: C2 HALFSHAFT U-JOINTS
Rob - I have 4 of these loose and removed at home....if you send the dimensions of your flange I can measure mine tonight at home. As far as straightening them....if sprung I would worry about reuse personally. Extreme care should be used on the flanges as they flex so easily. An easy way to tell if they are sprung is to set them against the spindle mount flange they bolt to and attempt to rock......there should be NO rocking at all, otherwise they are drawn in. I would not even attempt to mount the U-joint on one without first supporting the halfshaft flange on an old spindle mount flange or one removed from your car. I suppose bolting the flange down would draw the ears apart, but, I would worry about strength....CraigComment
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Re: C2 HALFSHAFT U-JOINTS
Rob,
I do not know what type Spicer joints you have, but I had the same problem with their best synthetic lubed joints. I called the shop where I purchased the joints and they informed me that the caps have to be "snapped" onto the joint. Check to see of the caps are seal tightly around the joint or if they slide easily off the joint.
To lock the caps on, place the caps on the joint and place in a vice and tighten lightly. The caps will "snap" and lock on the joint.
Good Luck,
RonnieComment
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Re: C2 HALFSHAFT U-JOINTS
Rob-----
The problem that you describe is a VERY common one. I'll bet a LOT of folks who attemped to install these half-shaft u-joints came to the same conclusion as you------that the joints are "too large" to fit. In fact, once-upon-a-time, I was one of those folks.
The problem is that these u-joints are a lot harder to install than drive-shaft u-joints. As others have mentioned, the use of a support device or fixture for the flanges is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL, too. However, even using such a device to avoid damage to the flanges, you would likely still think that the u-joints are too large to fit. But, they are not.
My recommendation for installing these u-joints is to take them to a drive-line shop that stocks Spicer Brand u-joints and have them remove and install the new u-joints. There's no substitute for experience and there is an "art", of sorts, to install these half-shaft u-joints.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C2 HALFSHAFT U-JOINTS
Just to be clear, the joints will not fit into the openings no matter how I turn them. (I haven't even got to the point of putting the caps back on) I checked the flanges on a machined, steel surface and they appear level, with no wobble. The opening on the flanges, both, is 2 7/16". I'll take them to a local shop that does nothing but driveline components and see what they say. The measurement between the retainer grooves seems smaller than the distance between the outside of the cups. The joints are marked "SPR 199".Comment
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Re: C2 HALFSHAFT U-JOINTS
I tried fitting "precision" joints into the flanges and they fit easily. I don't know why the "spicer" will not fit. Is precision a brand that will function fine, and without grease fittings result in no point deduction when judged, or is there another brand you would recommend, now that I know that for whatever reason these spicer joints will not install.Comment
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