I need the u-joint for my steering shaft or I the whole steeing shaft assy. Anyone know where I can get my grubby hands on one these? All the bone yards around here have 2xs, I have a 4x. Thanks

1971 F250 4X4

 

Take it to your local auto parts dealer and buy new. Likely the steering shaft u-joint is a spicer type unit. Replaced mine a couple of years back on my 69 4x4 from NAPA auto parts.

 

Last time I check with NAPA they were not available anymore. Something about safty issues with the installation by the truck owners. I guess someone or a few owners can't figure out how to install a ujoint properly without some sort of injury.

I will give them another shot and see what they say.

 

4x4sub...

the Napa down here told me it was too old and was a dealer item, the dealer said it was too old and they turend all those back and cant get it anymore.

try your local driveline serivce place, they sometimes have or can get what you need even though its smaller than what your used to thinking a place like that would do.

 

They are not servicable anymore if ever. I priced a new one from Ford about 3 years back they wanted 750 dollars for one. I purchased a complete shaft assembly new from Borg. It has real universal joints ... had to trim shaft to length it was around 200 dollars. If you find a Factory one in the junk yard it might be worse than what you have.

 

well, I dont mean to start an argument but... the factory original universal joint at the end of my 75 F250 4x4 gave up the ghost a while back and it has what looks like a minature driveshaft u-joint there with inside clips at the steering column end, which is identical to the one on my 67 4x. the cups are (aprox) 3/4" in diameter. and the yoke is part of the shaft that runs to the gearbox with a constant velosity on that end. in any case a complete new shaft assembly is the way to go if you can aford the 250+ dollars for one.

 

Just bought one of those for my '72 F-100 from Ibeling Repair (319-347-2491). It was $125+ shipping. his name is Scott. I've also been told some guys go to the off road shops and get the whole joint that is used for building buggies.

 

I replace the steering shaft on every truck I rebuild, not only because you can't believe the difference in the steering that it makes. BUT the main reason is safety, the rag joint is designed to interlock with metal tabs if the vulcanized connection fails, however from past experience I can tell you that with these old trucks, it is possible that the safety part of that design does not always work. One of the trucks I was driving, had rusted out cab mounts in the rear and had allowed the shaft to spread just enough that when the joint failed there was no connection, that was a ride I swore I would never let happen again. While they are not cheap, the best replacement is from borgenson at www.borgeson.com/.

What is your life worth?

pcwb

 

good point, but f250 4x4s dont have rag joints. and as for life worth, that could be said for any mech. part on the truck if your not able to repair it correctly yourself. the borgeson unit is one of the best out there tho.

 

I just got done rebuilding a Dana 44 HP. Next on the list is getting the power steering box rebuilt and also the steering shaft. My plan is to contact Borgeson for the u-joint and shaft. I've seen Borgeson units on all sorts of customs.

 

I have seen the Borgeson units in the JP Magazine I recieve. A bit pricy for me right now. I was hoping to find a stock u-joint for a quick and easy fix. I have called around and there is no such critter offered anymore for stock applications. I can either cut off and weld a new joint on, have it rebuilt (new ends) or buy a whole new aftermarket shaft. I think I will save my time and pennies to buy a whole new aftermarket shaft. Thanks for the info and opinions everyone.

 

Where did you get the knuckle (ball) seals for you HD D44? If you don't mind me asking what was the price? What are you going to use for the lube inside? I hear people mix gear grease and bearing grease to make a thicker lube so it won't leak out the seals.

 

I know this was not directed at me... but six states has them in boise Id.

I assume you are talking about the larger one with 12 bolts retaining the felt?

they also have the grease seals for the spndle for the larger HD "44-8CF" axle.

If you mix your lube to thick you may compromise the upper spindle bearing as it might not get enough lubrication. you can thickin it a little and it dose help keep it from leaking. it is getting harder to find the large nuckle parts I have noticed. most parts houses just cary the light duty 3/4 ton 4x4 parts.

 

4x4, did you miss my reply in this thread? I installed one of his u-joints in my steer shaft and regreased lower joint next to steer box. Also used a CV joint rubber seal to go over lower joint. Like a new shaft now and no play. He has them, give him a call.

 

Yes, I did read it and thanks for the led. $125 is a bit steep right now. Is your f100 steering shaft ujoint the same as an F250? Thats probably something I need to ask Scott. I will give him a call. That is better then $200-300 dollors. Do you know if he has a website. Thanks again.