1969 U Joints

[Bill Stephens]

I am changing the U-joints on the half shafts of a 1969. One of the flanges was pretty hard to get off, I had to use heat, but the rest of them came out pretty easily. The new ones were a little hard to press on. Once I got them on, they are much stiffer than the old ones. I would describe them as stiff. I can turn them by hand, but they don't turn loosely.

Should new U-joints be much tighter than the old ones? If not, I must have compressed the brackets when I pressed them off. I didn't think so, because some of them came off pretty easily. I've done a lot of work on this, and I'd rather replace the half shafts and flanges than take any chances, but this is pretty expensive.

I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 U Joints

I did Dad's 72 a week ago with the same results and thoughts. My friend noted that his 66 was the same way too. I suspect it is then a normal thing we are noticing.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 U Joints

Patrick and Bill-----

Yes, this is a normal condition. However, it can be exacerbated if the u-joint flange is distorted during the u-joint replacement operation. The u-joint flange MUST be supported with a special fixture (or, an old spindle flange) during the u-joint removal and replacement process. If it's not, you'll distort the flange, FOR SURE, and ruin it.

If the u-joints are installed properly and are "naturally tight", everything will be fine. If they're "unnaturally tight", they'll have a VERY SHORT life. It's very hard to tell the difference between "naturally tight" and "UNnaturally tight". That's why I always have a driveline shop which is extremely experienced in u-joint work perform the installation on the half-shaft u-joints. The drive shaft u-joints are easy, but if I have them all done at the same time, I usually have the driveline shop do all of them. It doesn't cost very much.