Universal joint question

KMBeers

KMBeers

Senior Member
Have a newby question. I pulled the engine and transmission today from my 29 Tudor and the universal joint was not as I expected. As I see it I will need to find a replacement, looks like an “aftermarket” part was installed sometime in the car’s history. It is really worn and should be dealt with since the engine is out. I am hoping someone can confirm what I am seeing or perhaps someone may have seen this one in the past. Thanks for the help
 

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I am not that familiar with a 29 but that looks like an original and it will be a lot slopier than you may think it should be. Wait for more info before disregarding.
 
Looks like an original i have seen many. Be careful about "modern replacements". Some are oversize and will not fit in the clamshell. Ask the supplier if they will fit. Last one I had gotten was from Macs and it was too big and returned and they appeared to have known it wouldn't fit. I have seen quite a few originals that were surprisingly in excellent condition and would not hesitate to use them.
 
i stand corrected by Ordsgt. You have an authentic riveted type u-joint that is a carryover from the Model T. The Spicer joints went into Model A production during 1931, and it became the service replacement for the earlier riveted design.
 

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It looks like you have the original model. Some of the dealers have them but are out of stock. A gentleman in Canada is rebuilding the newer, late 31 and will ship them to you. I got one a couple of years ago from him when installing my Mitchel synchronized transmission. Look for information on internet. Mean while I will see what I can find. Check the internet.
 
The universal joint will slightly move back and forth in the joints to accommodate some misalignment. That is normal. There should not be any torsional looseness. Grab both ends, one in one hand and the other in the other hand, and try to twist one against the other. If you have perceptible looseness in the twisting direction then it should be replaced. As above, it is OK to have some minor looseness when sliding the bearings sideways.
 
Bob Bidonde said:
You have a Spicer type u-joint that is far superior to the prior design. The Spicer joints went into Model A production during 1931, and it became the service replacement for the earlier riveted design.
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The spicer design was lincoln
all the fords till 48 used the same as late 31 style with replaceable bushings and cross
 
What nkaminar said.... yes they are different than what we say post WW-II though the 1980s. Pumping that cavity full of good old regular grease makes them last longer. Not that stiff junk that doesn't melt till is sits in a volcano....
 
Gene F said:
What nkaminar said.... yes they are different than what we say post WW-II though the 1980s. Pumping that cavity full of good old regular grease makes them last longer. Not that stiff junk that doesn't melt till is sits in a volcano....
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John Deere Corn Head grease. Works great in Model A.
 
Thank you all for the help with this one. When I opened the u-joint covers there was very little grease in there. All in all the condition of the joint is not horrible but there is torsional wear in the joint. With the work required to either pull the engine and trans or the rear out of the car to replace it later, I am thinking to have a new one available when I put the engine back in the car.
I dropped the engine and transmission off at Schwalm’s Babbited Bearings today to have them both rebuilt. Folks there were super knowledgeable and are going to be nice to work with. It will be about 5 months until they are done (that will be my Christmas present) so I have time to tidy up some things on my car before he install.
 
A good friend needed one to replace a bad one that had a lot of torsional slop. All the regular suppliers were out of stock. I gave him one of my old ones that came from my supplies.


Vic
 
At swap meets here in England and sunny AZ I buy every Spicer U/J I see . The rebuild kits are available hopefully not made offshore . The original rivetted style if not worn will last many miles

John in warm sunny weather Suffolk County England .
 
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