once the u-joint pin is in, how do you peen it so it does not slip out and rub against the u-joint housing plug? there is nothing to support it to push or peen against.
I have a 4 pound block of steel that has a 7/16" hole drilled in it so I can stick a .401" rivet set in it and let the U joint pin rest against it. Then I can strike a large pin punch with a hammer from the top side to swell the rivet.
Thanks a lot Royce, that gives me an idea on how to do something similar!
Use a main bearing or old spindle bolt, same thread,Bob
Peen one end of pin first on your vice anvil, install pin into u-joint, drill a 3/8" dimple in the end of a fan bracket bolt, insert f.b. bolt into side of that you previously peened to hold pin fast, flop D.S./rear axle assembly over and onto the fan bracket bolt head on floor and peen away.
place a punch vertically in a drill press vise and place it on the floor. Position the punch so it sits on the underneath side of the rivet installed in the ujoint and DS. Pound the top of the rivet with another punch to mushroom the head. Turn the ujoint over and do the same with the opposite side. The idea is to support the bottom end of the rivet while you pound away at the top side.
I believe there used to be aftermarket pins that had a thin head on one end, so you only had to rivet one side. I've used them, and they make it a lot easier. I don't think anyone is doing them now.