U-joints

[Rob M.]

First, happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

I looking to replace the u-joints on my 66 when I have the trailing arms off (that's another discussion). One is making a clicking noise when making turns at low speeds. At any rate, I've read some great threads in the archives and plan on having them done by a driveline shop here in town. My question is which u-joints to purchase?

I understand that Spicer is a good choice. Does anyone know the part # and cost?

I called two dealers for GM#89029305 (Delco #45U0123) and they want $31.25 apiece - sounds expensive.

Paragon sells u-joints for $20 each, but I don't know who manufactures them - does anyone?

Your suggestions/experience appreciated as to which u-joint to go with.

[Donald L.]

Re: U-joints

From the archives.

http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76752

[Larry M.]

Re: U-joints

Rob:

That is too expensive for the AC Delco. You need to get your GM dealer to discount or buy from someone like GM Parts Direct. I paid $16.94 each from Bryan Chevrolet here in New Orleans. List was $22.63. This was a few years back (2006). www.gmpartsdirect.com Use the GM part number to search. I just checked and the u-joints were about $17 apiece.

You can also check a few other auto parts stores and see if they can get under the AC Delco number. These U-joints are Federal-Mogul units made in the USA. Mine were ordered from Bryan Chevy and drop shipped from Federal-Mogul in Chicago (I believe they were made or final machined in Chicago). They are also available from NAPA (I think) under the Federal-Mogul Precision brandname. I believe that the corresponding FM Precision number is #231.

Of course, many prefer Dana Spicer joints. These are more heavy duty and cost more........but are said to be unbreakable by the normal person (ie. not racing with slicks and a 500+ HP motor and launching at 7000 RPM. I've done some of that, but not lately)

Hope this helps.

Larry

[Gary R.]

Re: U-joints

I just got in 8 Spicer solids,the price also went up again. They're now $29 for the 1/2 shaft solids. Do yourself a favor spend the extra money and install these correctly. I've had diff's come in blown apart and the spicer were still good. If you read that link you'll also see where I had my own USA NAPA joint crack in 1/2 with no abuse to them at all. I have used some of the other brands in the past and they didn't hold up.

[Rob M.]

Re: U-joints

Thanks for the posts and the link to the other thread on install - good read and pictures too.