My U Joints are clicking away

[Dadandson]

I need to replace the U joints on my 74 1275 Midget. Will I need to drain the transmission first? How much difference is there between Hardy Spicer brand and aftermarket parts? I have replaced U joints on other cars but I would like to ask if there are any little bits of wisdom on a Midget. I have read that lining up the spline can be tricky because of the tunnel. Masking tape?

 

[jlaird]

Do not drain tranny, not necessary. Jack up the rear. Unbolt the shaft at the differencal, four bolts and drag the thing out.

To put it back, with duct tape tape the front universal straight in line with the shaft and poke it in, might take a few trys but it will go nicely. Reattach the rear with the four bolts and you are good to go.

Have the new universals installed by your friendly machine shop. In my opinion a few bucks is well spent there, make sure they understand the front universal greese plug is supose to point toward the rear.

 

[Dadandson]

Thanks Jack. How about quality? I found them at my local Autozone for $11 each and in stock!

 

[jlaird]

Prob as good as any, I'd use em.

 

[Dadandson]

I cannot express how grateful I am for your experience and more importantly, you willingness to share and help. Thanks

 

[jlaird]

Gesh Tim. That's what we do here. One for all and all for one. Just a bunch of electronic friends helping friends as best we can.

 

[Scott_Hower]

Gesh Tim. That's what we do here. One for all and all for one. Just a bunch of electronic friends helping friends as best we can.

Amen to that.

edit... Jack, I sent you a book a while ago on WWII aviators, what did you think of it and did you pass it along?

 

[jlaird]

Scott, I don't think I got it. At least my old brain is not remembering at the moment.

Just checked, if it was hardback I did not receive it.??????????

 

[Dadandson]

Mission accomplished. What a difference new U joints make!

 

[Scott_Hower]

Scott, I don't think I got it. At least my old brain is not remembering at the moment.

Just checked, if it was hardback I did not receive it.??????????

Paperback ... "Deadly Sky"

Check PM for the link...

 

[jlaird]

Ahh, will inventory but don't think I got it.

Oh god I found it. It fell behind the books on the book case.

Will read and report and I think Doc is next is he not?

 

[Dadandson]

Piece of Cake! The U joints were $8.99 each at AutoZone and Pep Boys installed in the drive shaft for a $20 bill. It is amazing how all the minor vibration went away. I have been playing around with the front end and it turned out to U Joints.

 

[jlaird]

Well done Tim, not too bad a job is it.

 

[Dadandson]

I did not need duct tape as there is a hole in the tunnel that I used to line up the spline end of the shaft. One of the easier things I have done to the car.

 

[jlaird]

You know why it is so easy, Only needs to be done once in a life time.