Universal Joint Decision: rebuild or new

topchop

topchop

Senior Member
Seeking opinions, please.
'47 sedan, stock driveline. Getting ready to reinstall rebuilt motor and ******. U-joint looks ok, a little play. Would I be further ahead going with just a u-joint repair kit ($42) or spring for a whole new u-joint assembly ($99)?

Anyone have experiences they'd like to share?

Thanks.

Jim
 
If it's a repop u-joint I'd steer clear of it. All the ones we've seen are not good quality. I'd rebuild the original part if you feel that the wear is excessive.
 
Last one that I had to deal with, I was on a very limited time schedule - like leaving tomorrow for several hundred mile trip. ANY play in the bushings-to-cross, is TOO MUCH. It will vibrate. So... with that in mind, I went for the repro, from Early Ford Store, San Dimas. If I weren't on a time schedule, I'd go for a kit, and keep as much of the original Ford part as possible.
As for my repro U-joint, it's been about 5-6 years, and a few thousand miles, and no problems yet.
I actually bought one of those so-called Lincoln U-joints with the needle bearings, thinking that it might be a good idea. After looking at it, and reading several reports on this forum, I sent it back.
Keep in mind, installing the 'kit', is not easy, because of those clips. I never did figure a way to remove them without destroying them. And, new clips are not in the kit.
 
bobH said:
Last one that I had to deal with, I was on a very limited time schedule - like leaving tomorrow for several hundred mile trip. ANY play in the bushings-to-cross, is TOO MUCH. It will vibrate. So... with that in mind, I went for the repro, from Early Ford Store, San Dimas. If I weren't on a time schedule, I'd go for a kit, and keep as much of the original Ford part as possible.
As for my repro U-joint, it's been about 5-6 years, and a few thousand miles, and no problems yet.
I actually bought one of those so-called Lincoln U-joints with the needle bearings, thinking that it might be a good idea. After looking at it, and reading several reports on this forum, I sent it back.
Keep in mind, installing the 'kit', is not easy, because of those clips. I never did figure a way to remove them without destroying them.[And, new clips are not in the kit.
Click to expand...

That's news to me. The kits I have purchased in the past came with those spring "C" clips. The latest catalogs from Drake, MAC's, C&G, and Early Ford V-8 Sales, Inc. All show the "C" clips with complete kit or when buying just the bushings..
 
Removal of clips .... I've used a pair of needle nose pliers (fine point). Takes patience.
 
The ford ujs have some end play built in as standard. If the little play you describe is end play, that is ok. If there is rotational play between one piece and the other, that ought to be addressed if excessive. Personally I tend to reuse the old if serviceable, but my cars are normally lighter than the big late 40s jobs.

Mart.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top