66 Big Block u-joints

[Richard E.]

Researching the archives for universal joint information I found that GM # 89029305 is a suitable u-joint for half shafts & GM # 89029327 is proper for the drive shaft u-joints. Are these suitable for a stock 66-427 application?
I know the u-joint caps are heavy duty on BB half shafts but I expect this has no effect on the u-joint selection.
Thanks for all responses.
Rich

[Gary R.]

Re: 66 Big Block u-joints

Rich
I don't know the GM numbers, Joe Lucia will, but all 63-79 vettes used 1350 u-joints for the 1/2 shafts. The driveshafts were 1310 or 1330 the easiest way to tell is just look at the differential pinion yoke, if it uses U-bolts it is a 1310. If it uses bolts and caps it's a 1330. The only exception would be a 63 Grand Sport yoke which I have only seen 1 and that was on a GS diff I built.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 66 Big Block u-joints

Can you make anything out from this comparison ? On the left is a '64 small block; on the right, I'm holding the yoke and cap from a FA_7_15_65 diff. I could take better pics if that would help.




c

[Gary R.]

Re: 66 Big Block u-joints

Wayne those are both axles and would use the 1350 joints, regardless of retainment. The principal is the same for the pinion yoke though. You would see a size difference holding a 1310 next to a 1330 yoke

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 Big Block u-joints

Researching the archives for universal joint information I found that GM # 89029305 is a suitable u-joint for half shafts & GM # 89029327 is proper for the drive shaft u-joints. Are these suitable for a stock 66-427 application?
I know the u-joint caps are heavy duty on BB half shafts but I expect this has no effect on the u-joint selection.
Thanks for all responses.
Rich

Rich------

For any given year, big block and small block u-joints were the same.

The u-joints you mentioned are, basically, Delco aftermarket type u-joints. The GM OEM-equivalent u-joints are no longer available. However, the ones you mentioned will work fine. I prefer Spicer premium u-joints which is what most GM OEM u-joints were. The current Spicer joints lube through a grease fitting on the cap, not through a fitting on the body of the u-joint. This, of course, is not an original configuration but it should work well.

[Gary R.]

Re: 66 Big Block u-joints

Joe
Are the Delco's made here still? just curious as I only use the solid Spicer joints in my builds.

[Larry M.]

Re: 66 Big Block u-joints

Joe
Are the Delco's made here still? just curious as I only use the solid Spicer joints in my builds.

Yes, to the best of my knowledge, they are still USA made. When I purchased them for my car a few years ago they were dropped shipped from the Federal-Mogul factory in Chicago. They are the same as the PRECISION Brand.

I personally think are are very good u-joints for our cars..............particularly if street driven and not driven on the track.

Larry

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 Big Block u-joints

Yes, to the best of my knowledge, they are still USA made. When I purchased them for my car a few years ago they were dropped shipped from the Federal-Mogul factory in Chicago. They are the same as the PRECISION Brand.

I personally think are are very good u-joints for our cars..............particularly if street driven and not driven on the track.

Larry

Larry and Gary------


I agree. I believe they are still made in the USA by Federal-Mogul. For how much longer, who knows?

[Richard E.]

Re: 66 Big Block u-joints

Thank you very much Joe & everyone for your helpful input. I appreciate it very much.
Rich