U-joint question
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Senior User
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From: Auburn, WA
U-joint question
It has been over 20 years since I changed a u-joint on an older Ford, but I never recalled seeing an issue between the front drive line and diff where the caps of the new u-joint do not fill the yoke on the ends. I have the u bolts on to hold the front of the driveshaft in place, but not tight as it looks like to get the u-joint caps out all the way that I have to spread them apart. The u-joint installed perfect on the driveshaft, it just doesn't look like it fits the yoke correctly. Is it supposed to be like this? I thought if it wasnt the right part, that it wouldnt fit the driveshaft either.
77 F250 4x4 400ci Auto
77 F250 4x4 400ci Auto
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Gadsden Purchase
Sounds like you have the type that has the C-ring holding those "legs" in place?
If so, clean and wire brush the crap;) out of it and first remove the C-ring holding them, then bracing/supporting it on something, hammer-punch it out to one side until the cap is loose.
I squeak (loud:) when I walk and enjoy fixing and modifying all sorts of stuff on my old pickup (bought it new). :) That's me, telling you, to take the drive shaft to the best drive shaft specialist you can find and have them change out the U-joints and straighten and balance it for you. :)
Well, i guess that only applies if you use it for highways quite a bit?
Otherwise do it yourself, you can do it good enough. :)
Alvin in AZ
If so, clean and wire brush the crap;) out of it and first remove the C-ring holding them, then bracing/supporting it on something, hammer-punch it out to one side until the cap is loose.
I squeak (loud:) when I walk and enjoy fixing and modifying all sorts of stuff on my old pickup (bought it new). :) That's me, telling you, to take the drive shaft to the best drive shaft specialist you can find and have them change out the U-joints and straighten and balance it for you. :)
Well, i guess that only applies if you use it for highways quite a bit?
Otherwise do it yourself, you can do it good enough. :)
Alvin in AZ
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From: Auburn, WA
I suppose I should have made a better description. I removed the driveline and had it on the bench, removed the clips, pressed out the caps, one way then the other, removed the u-joint, then used a wire brush and 600 gr. sandpaper to clean up the drive line flanges until the caps from the new u-joint would install by hand, installed the new clips and as I went to reconnect the front part of the drive-line the u-bolts that hold the remaining two legs, I found that while the caps are on all the way, they do not sit in the yoke side to side on the edges, there is about 1/4" play side to side unless I tighten the u-bolts for that part.. That is what I am questioning. I think it is actually ok, I just want to make sure.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Kalispell, MT
If I understand your question correctly, there should be a tab on each side of the yoke that acts as a retainer for the caps. The caps must sit inside the tabs. Then the U-bolts strap it in place.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Hesperia, CA
If the u-joint went together ok then it has to fit into the yoke. Did you push it into the yoke all of the way so the caps sat into the two tabs as mtflat described?
Last edited by fasthauler; Apr 17, 2007 at 09:38 AM. Reason: spelling error
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From: Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by wb6vvv
If the u-joint went together ok then it has to fit into the yoke. Did you push it into the yoke all of the way so the caps sat into the two tabs as mtflat described?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Are all four of the caps the same size? Or are two smaller than the other two? If your original joint had all four caps the same, and the replacement doesn't someone sold you the wrong joint. There are four sizes used on various Ford F Series trucks: 1280; 1310; 1330; 1350. There are also some with a combination. example: two 1280's, two 1310 sized caps.
There are also two types of joints: Spicer and Mechanics. They use a different method of attachment. Inside or outside clips.
What is the exact application? Model, yr, wheelbase, transmission, 2 or 4 wd.
There are also two types of joints: Spicer and Mechanics. They use a different method of attachment. Inside or outside clips.
What is the exact application? Model, yr, wheelbase, transmission, 2 or 4 wd.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Apr 17, 2007 at 10:42 AM.
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From: Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
Are all four of the caps the same size? Or are two smaller than the other two? If your original joint had all four caps the same, and the replacement doesn't someone sold you the wrong joint. There are four sizes used on various Ford F Series trucks: 1280; 1310; 1330; 1350. There are also some with a combination. example: two 1280's, two 1310 sized caps.
There are also two types of joints: Spicer and Mechanics. They use a different method of attachment. Inside or outside clips.
What is the exact application? Model, yr, wheelbase, transmission, 2 or 4 wd.
There are also two types of joints: Spicer and Mechanics. They use a different method of attachment. Inside or outside clips.
What is the exact application? Model, yr, wheelbase, transmission, 2 or 4 wd.
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From: Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
Need the wheelbase~~Need the engine size.
1977 F250 4X4~C6: There are thirty different applications, that's right 30...
1977 F250 4X4~C6: There are thirty different applications, that's right 30...
30!!!! holy cr@p!!!!!!!
Last edited by rchewitt50; Apr 17, 2007 at 11:48 AM.
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Oh the Horror!
I shooda stayed far away from this thread! There are 20 applications alone for the 351M/400's with a 133" wheelbase! Some use all the same size joints, some use two different sizes, some use three different sizes...all on the same shaft. On some it makes a difference whether the front axle is a Dana 44 or 60, on the rear driveshaft joints.....what a mess. Hope you saved your old joints, it's match up time. The only way I could help if both of us were at a Ford parts counter, and you had the samples.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Apr 17, 2007 at 12:14 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
I shooda stayed far away from this thread! There are 20 applications alone for the 351M/400's with a 133" wheelbase! Some use all the same size joints, some use two different sizes, some use three different sizes...all on the same shaft. On some it makes a difference whether the front axle is a Dana 44 or 60, on the rear driveshaft joints.....what a mess. Hope you saved your old joints, it's match up time. The only way I could help if both of us were at a Ford parts counter, and you had the samples.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Auburn, WA
Doh!!!
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
But you still have the cap? Or the old joints? Match em up at a "good" auto parts store.
Actually, I tried the good parts store, they weren't open when I needed these. So I went to screw-your-buddy auto with the gangsta kid behind the counter. Possibly all of 6 mos. part experience.
Doh!