It appears the the era of made in the USA for universal joints is over. The popular 231 Precision half shaft and the Precision 269 for the drive shafts that were made by Federal Mogul in the USA are no more. In talking with a rep. for Federal Mogul he said they sold the Precision brand name to O'Reillys but they do not supply them with any product. He didn't know where they were being made. The GM# 89029327 / AC Delco #45U0145 drive shaft "U" joints and the GM# 89029305 / ACDelco # 45U0123 for the half shafts are also no longer made in the USA. The GM and AC Delco along with the Moog line are now made in Mexico and appear to be identical.
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Last edited by Page C.; June 19, 2017, 05:25 PM. -
Re: Universal Joints for C2 and C3
I recently purchased a set of Federal Mogul 231s & 269s U joints from Summitt Racing - info printed on the box says "Made in Mexico".Ed -
Re: Universal Joints for C2 and C3
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I would expect that Dana-Spicer u-joints are still USA-manufactured. However, these are not configured as-original. They are manufactured of forged powder metal and have a different configuration. But, they are a lot stronger than the originals. Through GM the half shaft u-joints, GM #89059111, are quite expensive at a GM list of about 100 bucks each. They're probably available through Spicer dealers for less. I think the equivalent driveshaft u-joints for C2 and C3 are GM discontinued but they may also be available from Spicer.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Universal Joints for C2 and C3
The last Spicers I installed a few months back were still USA made and a quality part.Comment
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Re: Universal Joints for C2 and C3
I was advised to go with the Spicers (by Gary)..... I usually don't ignore expert advice but made an exception in this case. I am assuming (hoping... praying maybe) that the FM units are not "inferior" products that have a high likelihood of failing, even though I would agree that the Spicers are a much better product. I don't intend to thrash out or abuse the drive train on my 53 year old, small block Corvette. Accordingly, I didn't feel that I needed the extra durability that the Spicer's provide over the FM units which are not identical but do look more like the originals than the stronger Spicers. I hope my logic is sound and I don't have to eat crow over this decision.EdComment
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Re: Universal Joints for C2 and C3
The Moog 231's and 269's are their "Super Strength" line which are superior to their regular line which are comparable to OEM. Those are the Moog u-joints I've been using for many years in both BB & SB cars, and never had a failure.Comment
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Re: Universal Joints for C2 and C3
Jim,
Not surprised and.... your assessment does give me some peace of mind. Just curious, were the 231s & 269s you are using made in the USA or in Mexico. I am guessing the move to Mexico was not all that long ago.EdComment
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Re: Universal Joints for C2 and C3
I think they've been made in Mexico for quite a while. The last 269's I have in my shop were made there. I really don't pay much attention to where parts are made anymore. I have laugh at those that say "I won't put Chinese, or any foreign made parts on my American sports car". There are very few parts made in the USA with less every day. Delco is the worst. Almost everything with a Delco label is made in China or Mexico.Comment
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Re: Universal Joints for C2 and C3
I have to agree with you. I think that parts that are produced in large numbers and have a very wide application, like the U joints we are talking about are probably just as good as the one's that were made in the USA. That said, I think that parts that are made overseas and in low numbers, for small, specialty markets, such as C2 leaf springs, are not always made to a high standard.EdComment
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Re: Universal Joints for C2 and C3
I just received a shipment of Moog (Federal Mogul) suspension parts. A-Arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends and idler arm - all "Made in the USA"Comment
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Re: Universal Joints for C2 and C3
I also just purchases Spicer U joints made here in the USA.
However only the joints with zerts fittings were available.Comment
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