66 Driveshaft

[Rodney#40542]

I have the driveshaft removed from my 66 327/300 hp 4 speed car. I removed the U joints and glass beaded them with the end caps in place they are the originals(101,000 miles). I removed the end caps and a couple of the caps had no grease reserve left up in the joint but the needle bearings still had grease. I would like to repack them with fresh grease and reuse them. Does this seem feasible? Also, I forgot which way the driveshaft came out. One end has 1 weight on it and the other end has 2 weights. Does it matter which end goes where?

Thanks

Rodney

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 Driveshaft

Rodney-----

I'd be surprised if the u-joints are really reusable. To check them, though, you need to clean up the trunnions and needle bearings for inspection. ALL of he trunnions (the machined surface that the needle bearings ride on) on each u-joint MUST be absolutely free of any brinneling (i.e. "indentions" where the needle bearings have deformed the trunnion). If even one trunnion of each joint is even slightly brinneled, the joint is not suitable for re-use.

The needle bearings have to clean up "shiny and perfect". They must not have any visible wear or corrosion. If there are some "black spots" that won't clean up on one or more of the bearings, the bearings (and the u-joint) are scrap.

For all practical purposes, the driveshaft can be installed either direction. If you end up replacing the u-joints (or, if you are able to re-use the original joints but don't know which joint came off which end), then I would highly advise you to have the complete assembly, with installed u-joints, balanced by a driveline shop before re-installation in the car.

[Rodney#40542]

Re: 66 Driveshaft

Thanks Joe, sounds like I might as well put on the new Delco ones that I bought. They have the grease fitting on them.