1963 universal joints

[Jerry C.]

Got all new joints from corvette central and they are about 1/8" to wide. Called CC helpline and was offered no help except call LI Corvette. Anybody had this problem and found a solution? Thanks in advance.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 universal joints

Jerry,

Do a search in the archivess and you will find part #'s for Federal Mogul joints that you can go to the auto parts store to purchase. These joints do not have a zerk fitting like original and are not expensive.

Also, read about the axle flange because it can be bent very easily removing the old parts. I believe the half shaft joint are something like 3 5/8 cap to cap but not 100% on that.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 universal joints

Got all new joints from corvette central and they are about 1/8" to wide. Called CC helpline and was offered no help except call LI Corvette. Anybody had this problem and found a solution? Thanks in advance.

Jerry------

If you're referring to half-shaft u-joints, the phenomenon you are describing is quite common. I think I can say that if you had NOS u-joints of the original part number you'd have exactly the same problem.

I do not recommend installing them yourself. Take them to a driveline shop experienced in installing Corvette half shaft u-joints. An experienced shop will have the fixture necessary to support the flange while the u-joint is removed and installed. As important, they'll have the experience to do the job properly.

[Larry M.]

Re: 1963 universal joints

What joints are you trying to replace?? Driveshaft or Halfshaft or both??

I used Federal-Mogul joints without zerks when I did my car a few years ago. Job went smoothly, but it was a bit tough using my 20 ton press to punch out the original joints after 50 years. But I was successful.

I can supply part numbers if needed/wanted.

Larry

[Jerry C.]

Re: 1963 universal joints

Larry Thanks I could use the part numbers for U joint and half shaft.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 universal joints

Larry Thanks I could use the part numbers for U joint and half shaft.

Jerry------


The non greaseable (as original) Moog (Federal-Mogul) u-joints are as follows:

driveshaft------#269

half shaft-------#231

The Federal-Mogul u-joints are fine and are configured very much like the original u-joints. However, my preference is Dana-Spicer even though some of the premium Dana-Spicer u-joints are no longer configured like the original u-joints.

Original Corvette u-joints were manufactured by both Dana-Spicer (old style) as well as of internal GM manufacture. Half shaft u-joints were ALWAYS of the non-greaseable type. Most driveshaft u-joints were also of the non-greaseable type but some may have been greaseable.

[Philip C.]

Re: 1963 universal joints

Jerry I have found that sometimes the retaining clips are too thick, this may be your problem......Phil 8063

[Larry M.]

Re: 1963 universal joints

Larry Thanks I could use the part numbers for U joint and half shaft.

Driveshaft: AC Delco 45U0145, or GM # 89029327 or FM/Precision #269. About $20/each.

Halfshaft: AC Delco 45U0123, or GM# 89029305, or FM/Precision # 231. About $20/each.

I ordered thru local Chevy Dealer to get a club discount. U-joints were drop shipped to me from FM in Chicago. As of a few years ago, they were still USA made in Chicago.

Larry