63 half shaft torque specs

[Frank D.]

Trailing arms going in....this is a May 63 car with the press fit bearings and I want to be positively sure I do this right (and once)!

The 63 docs have specs referring to the original slip fit design (or so I've read) so I'd rather get some advice here..not sure the press fit makes a difference on half-shaft torque but want to be certain.

Half-shaft to differential U-joint (straps) torque: 20 ft/lbs (and blue Loktite); I'm aware getting a torque wrench in there is nearly impossible but is this info correct..?

Half-shaft to trailing arm flange: 70 ft/lbs (and blue Loktite)...and can I get away with the original French locks not twisting if I lube the bolt heads.. Otherwise I'll order stainless steel versions.

Finally - are the (attached) pictured French locks correct for May 63 ? What I have are the later curved versions I suspect ?

Thanks in advance !

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 half shaft torque specs

Frank,

I would not think that bearing design affects flange torque of the half shaft U-Joint attach hardware. If it does it would be new news to me.

AIM UPC Sec 4 Sheet 4

Outer Bolts(Item 2) 60-90 Lbs/Ft but notation (circle 14) dated 4-16-63 states "Was 70-90 Lbs/Ft".
I usually go midrange so 70 seems logical as a bit under midrange of the 60-90 spec.

The inner u-bolt nuts(Item 6) are 14-18 Lbs/Ft. If you can get a torque wrench in there. I think the "tight enough ny feel" method there is fine.

Strictly my opinion, but I'd hold off on Blue Loctite. It'll just make removal more difficult if needed and could cause potential problems. It's tough enough working alone holding a longbar in one hand to hold the halfshaft while holding a big ratchet wrench in the other.
Outer French locks and inner U-bolt lockwashers should keep things tight as designed. I have never experienced, or heard of, those failing if properly attached. You can always recheck them as time goes on for confidence.

Not sure about which French locks, but for functionality I'd use new stainless parts, with a touch of lube on the bolt head undersides as well. You could always try to reuse your old ones for now, as if I recall you're still hoping your brake issue is solved and probably anxious to test drive the car.

Rich

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 half shaft torque specs

Thanks Rich - all of what you say makes sense and I will follow it...the stainless 63/64 French locks were just ordered from Zip along with new half-shaft attachment hardware (some of the bolt threads look stretched and well-used). Want to finish the car before the first when I go out of town and then have cataract surgery shortly afterwards. Otherwise - the car will be on jack stands for a month. Ugh!

[Alan D.]

Re: 63 half shaft torque specs

The French Locks you showed are the correct configuration, I was able to get mine (new) back on with min slippage, ie bending.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 half shaft torque specs

The French Locks you showed are the correct configuration, I was able to get mine (new) back on with min slippage, ie bending.

Thanks - that's what I bought - didn't know 63/64 had a unique design, but prob should have guessed...

[Richard G.]

Re: 63 half shaft torque specs

Early 63's didn't use any french locks of any type or style.

I highly recommend an bolt inspection after a few miles, if no locks are incorporated. If it was my car, and a driver, I would install the french locks and not bend the tabs till I had ran the car a few miles. Then I would re-inspect the torque and bend the tabs over.


I doubt there is a single 63 left with the axles without an interference fit on the axles. They didn't hold up. It is common practice in the machine world to have an interference fit whenever the inner shaft rotates. The shaft is stationary on the front wheels and this is why the slip fit works in that application
Rick.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 half shaft torque specs

Early 63's didn't use any french locks of any type or style.

I highly recommend an bolt inspection after a few miles, if no locks are incorporated. If it was my car, and a driver, I would install the french locks and not bend the tabs till I had ran the car a few miles. Then I would re-inspect the torque and bend the tabs over.


I doubt there is a single 63 left with the axles without an interference fit on the axles. They didn't hold up. It is common practice in the machine world to have an interference fit whenever the inner shaft rotates. The shaft is stationary on the front wheels and this is why the slip fit works in that application
Rick.

Good to know Rick, and stainless French locks are inbound from Zip.

Just waiting on both rear "hard" brake lines to wheel cylinder to button things up. Eckler's had a projected delivery date of one MONTH to even ship them.

Zip will have them here Monday. I'm about over Eckler's...