'63 Bent Half-Shaft Flange?

[Joe L.]

Re: '63 Bent Half-Shaft Flange?

I managed to get the U-Joint installed with no binding, but now, there isn't enough of the machined clip seat exposed to insert the C-clip.
I tried grinding the clips a little thinner - but not much help.

Is it possible a different U-Joint might offer just enough clearance to get the C-Clip inserted? I'm using AC-Delco, no zerk, part no. 45U0123

Hate to give up at this point - very close to having original flanges installed.

--Doug

Doug------


I think you will find this problem with any brand u-joint. Even using original GM or Spicer joints the exact same thing occurs. It is possible to press the caps in far enough to get the retaining clips to seat but it's a bear. When you're done, the joints will bind. However, as I mentioned previously, they will be OK after installation and a few miles on the car. Or, you can tap them as I previously described to free up the bind.

I do not recommend folks trying to install half shaft u-joints. I learned my lesson on this a long time ago. Now, I take half shafts to a driveline shop experienced in installing these things. They do this all the time, including on applications a lot tougher than Corvette half shafts. It doesn't even cost that much. In my opinion, the only way to go.

[Dick W.]

Re: '63 Bent Half-Shaft Flange?

Timothy-----


You could try center-punching the perimeter of the orifice. This should upset enough material to tighten up the u-joint cap fit

Do as Joe suggests and us green Loctite when you assemble it.

[Timothy B.]

Re: '63 Bent Half-Shaft Flange?

It took me few days, but I managed to find three spare original 63 flanges that I have. These are all from different cars. I don't see "Armasteel" or a part number cast into them anywhere.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]49107[/ATTACH]

Michael,

I remember there was a TSB about interference with the spindle nut (or something) and the 1963 half shaft flange in this area shown on the left flange in your pic. Does it looked machined as my flange has the part # and the armsteel cast in this area and clearly as cast.

Hopefully others will refresh my memory about this problem. Then there was a TSB about the spindle washer thickness and it had something to do with the increased torque on the nut.

[Gary B.]

Re: '63 Bent Half-Shaft Flange?

... Now, I take half shafts to a driveline shop experienced in installing these things. They do this all the time, including on applications a lot tougher than Corvette half shafts. It doesn't even cost that much. In my opinion, the only way to go.

Joe,

Is there a driveline shop in the south Bay Area that you can specifically recommend?

Gary

[Michael G.]

Re: '63 Bent Half-Shaft Flange?

Tim, it appears as though two of mine are machined, one is as cast. I still don't see Armasteel on the cast one. Here's a pic:

DSC01004.JPG

[Larry M.]

Re: '63 Bent Half-Shaft Flange?

I managed to get the U-Joint installed with no binding, but now, there isn't enough of the machined clip seat exposed to insert the C-clip.
I tried grinding the clips a little thinner - but not much help.

Is it possible a different U-Joint might offer just enough clearance to get the C-Clip inserted? I'm using AC-Delco, no zerk, part no. 45U0123

Hate to give up at this point - very close to having original flanges installed.

--Doug

Doug:

I have had this issue myself. I was able to get the necessary clearance by putting the assembly in a vise, using (bolt/nut) sockets on both ends to act as spacers, and then alternately tighten and loosen the joint a few times. This seems to remove any air or extra clearance and allow the u-joint clips to be installed. You could also use a hydraulic press or arbor press instead of the vise, but be careful to avoid excessive force.

I guess you could also disassemble the joint and machine a few thousands off one of the caps..........but this is extreme.

Larry

[Michael G.]

Re: '63 Bent Half-Shaft Flange?

I had the same problem. I disassembled the caps, removed a little grease from each one, put it back together, and the clips went in. Hydraulic lock, maybe?

[Joe L.]

Re: '63 Bent Half-Shaft Flange?

Joe,

Is there a driveline shop in the south Bay Area that you can specifically recommend?

Gary

Gary------

I've always used Driveline Service of San Leandro. I've been using them for about 40+ years and never a problem. They also supply and use Spicer u-joints.