C2 Axle Universal Joint Replacement

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

I am restoring the rear end assembly in my '66. What is the preferred universal joints to be used on the rear axles. Spicer has been mentioned in previous posts; what about GM (Joe, Have you got a number?). Is the drive shaft joints the same? Any hints for removal and reinstallation.
Thanks
Ronnie

[Gary B.]

Re: C2 Axle Universal Joint Replacement

Ronnie,

I've heard that Spicer and GM both sell excellent U-joints, particularly the lubed for life type. Buying from a Spicer reseller will be much cheaper than buying from GM. However, these look nothing like the originals that came on your car. If you want something much closer to the original in appearance, then I suggest the Neapco, Brute Force model, part # 2-0053BF. I don't know the GM or Spicer part numbers. And yes, the halfshaft and main driveshaft U-joints are different.

One tricky part with removal and reinstallation is pressing in/out the U-joint into the outboard flange that bolts to the spindle area. These flanges can be easily bent while removing or inserting the U-joint. I haven't gotten to the point of doing this step, so I don't know how best to do it without damaging the flange, but original flanges are pretty whimpy. It should be possible to design some sort of stiff & strong spacer that maintains the distance between the flange ends when pressing in/out the U-joint.

Gary