Joe Lucia - Universal Question

[Harry S.]

I was just going through some old parts I have tucked away. I came across universal joint 386451. The 386451 was available from 1975 to 1990.

I searched the archives and found a thread by you from 1999, good stuff.

Anyway, there are no marks on the universal, but there is a zerk. I looked on eBay and there is a 386451 up for sale with no zerk.

The question is, zerk or no zerk.

Thanks for the time.

Cheers

[Jack P.]

Re: Joe Lucia - Universal Question

I believe the original joints did not have a zerk fitting , at least my 66 did not .

Jack

[Mike E.]

Re: Joe Lucia - Universal Question

Wow. I was told that a universal question was "what is the meaning of life?" And now it's been simplified to "zerk or no zerk?" The world has changed!

[Terry M.]

Re: Joe Lucia - Universal Question

Wow. I was told that a universal question was "what is the meaning of life?" And now it's been simplified to "zerk or no zerk?" The world has changed!

Mike,
It might not be too much of a streatch to work that thought into your Sunday message, although it might be questionable as to how many in the congregation would "get it.". Good luck & Happy New Year buddy.

[Joe L.]

Re: Joe Lucia - Universal Question

I was just going through some old parts I have tucked away. I came across universal joint 386451. The 386451 was available from 1975 to 1990.

I searched the archives and found a thread by you from 1999, good stuff.

Anyway, there are no marks on the universal, but there is a zerk. I looked on eBay and there is a 386451 up for sale with no zerk.

The question is, zerk or no zerk.

Thanks for the time.

Cheers

Harry------


I've got 8 NOS examples of the 386451 u-joint. However, those parts group 5 tote bins are just too heavy for me to go through right now. However, my recollection is that the 386451 u-joints had no zerk fittings. In fact, my recollection is that the only GM SERVICE u-joints that I ever found a grease fitting on were some older ones of the style used for 63-67 driveshafts.

[Joe L.]

Re: Joe Lucia - Universal Question

Harry------

Also, is the 386451 that you have in a GM box with that part number on it and was the box unopened before you opened it? In addition, check carefully that it's not a "look-alike" GM box and that the word "REPLACES" (often in very small font size) does not precede the 386451 part number. I have seen quite a few of these phony u-joints on the market in days-gone-by.

[Harry S.]

Re: Joe Lucia - Universal Question

Gents, thanks for the replies. The box is real but the contents are suspect due to the zerk. I'll just assume the box and part don't go together.

Thanks for the time!

Cheers

[Scott O.]

Re: Joe Lucia - Universal Question

Joe,
Anytime you need help going through your parts, let me know
I'm in the Bay area
Happy New Year
Scott

[Loren L.]

Re: Joe Lucia - Universal Question

Wow. I was told that a universal question was "what is the meaning of life?" And now it's been simplified to "zerk or no zerk?" The world has changed!

Mike, it depends on the size of the universe....in this case, it's probably the parameters +/- 20% for accuracy as dictated by a JG....

[Tom F.]

Re: Joe Lucia - Universal Question

Hello Joe:

I recall working at a parts store in the sixties and an aftermarket company (Precision) had a non zerk fitting U-Joint #329.(386451) They
released a zerk fitting U-Joint #360 somewhere in the mid-sixties. The #360 U-joint never replaced the #329, but most installers wanted the #360
greaseable U-joint.

Tom