1961 U JOINTS

[Joe D.]

I ordered u joints from a parts store for my 61. They gave me spicer 5-153X. The paperwork with it calls it a Spicer ReLube Light/Medium Duty U Joint. Is this ok? Thanks, Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: 1961 U JOINTS

Joe-----

Yes, I think that those will be just fine. I believe that these are the u-joints with grease fittings. Most original Corvette u-joints did not have grease fittings. For replacement, though, most folks use the greaseable type. Unless you have a really modified, high horse/high torque engine in the car, you won't have any trouble, at all, with these u-joints. In fact, even if you did have a modified high horse/high torque engine in the car, I don't think that you'd have any trouble with them.

[James F.]

Re: 1961 U JOINTS

Joe,
Install these so that the grease fitting is in a compression mode. Joint is stronger this way. I never knew how to tell which way is compression. However, Clem knows! Regards,

[Dave Suesz]

Um, GM sez...

Both the 1955 and 1961 AMA specifications call for u-joints with zerk grease fittings. Also, lubrication charts of the period indicate fittings. Some Mustang guys scrounge no-fitting u-joints from yards for their show cars. I think they are nutz.

[Dave Suesz]

Never hurts to be careful...

The prop shaft spins counter-clockwise, so look at the slip yoke from the rear. With a slip yoke cap at the top, it will be "pushing" the prop shaft cap on the left, thus "compressing" the web between. Put the zerk fitting there. Repeat at the rear. This is probably a big deal to drag-race guys, but shouldn't be a problem on the street.

[Joe L.]

Re: Um, GM sez...

Dave-----

Personally, I've always felt that C1s used u-joints with grease fittings. However, Dale Pearman insists to the contrary and, with respect to most C1 nuances, I defer to him.

For C2s and C3s, it's possible that u-joints with zerk fittings were used on the driveshaft application for some C2s, particularly early ones (i.e. 63-64). However, no zerk fittings were ever used in PRODUCTION on 63-82 half shaft u-joints and no zerk fittings were ever used on any 69-82 driveshaft application u-joint.

Also, and as strange as it may sound, the AMA Specifications issued by GM are not always accurate. I've found a fair number of inaccuracies in them. So much so, that I now treat the AMA specs "with a grain of salt".

[Dave Suesz]

Yeah, carmakers make cars with whatever they have. *NM*

[Ron R.]

Re: Um, GM sez...

My 61 has the original u-joints with out grease fittings.
Ron
61 project