My U-joint pin is too small and will not leave enough meat to peen. Has anyone gone through the process of making one? I'd prefer to do that over an order for a single pin from a supplier. What kind of steel and how long? Thanks- Jim
You can counter-sink the hole both sides in the uni with a drill bit, then place and peen the pin.
Use a soft 1/4 bolt and file or turn it down until it fits. Do NOT use a hardened roll pin, which WILL come out enough to cut the drive shaft tube in two.
Don't the vendors sell them? I prefer to use originals!
Larry- as I said, my point is to use what I have instead of forking more money out for a single pin.
Just need to know length to begin with- Thanks. I don't have the luxury of an original.
According to Lang's a U-JOINT pin is a mere TWENTY FIVE CENTS. It will be the cheapest 25 cent you ever spend.
Ford parts list info:
#2574 u-joint pin 9/32" x 1 1/2"
OK Let's try this again- I don't think spending $6.50 in shipping for 25cents is smart nor needed. I merely asked for someone who has made a pin for a general idea about length and type of metal stock. (sigh)
Dan- many thanks to you, sir! It is very appreciated!
Sorry, I should have said a soft 5/16 's bolt and turn or file it down to fit.
I'm with Stan... but in Metric land we turned the threads off an M8 cheese head bolt ( think thats what you call it)
It stuck out a few Millimeters either end and it was easy to peen the ends over... 500 miles later, no issues... yet
Cheers
Justin
The one I bought from a vendor was only 1/4" diameter, too small, so I made my own.
As Dan said, "Ford parts list info: #2574 u-joint pin 9/32" x 1 1/2"
I used 9/32" drill rod, cut to length. Either 1 1/2" or sized to fit your u-joint. Don't heat it or it will get too hard.
There is a reason that pin is soft. A hard pin, if it comes loose, will cut the drive shaft tube in two. Think of all the consequences of that.
You could just leave it out and no one will know and you will be 25 cents ahead.
James,
If you still need one I can send you one. I stock this and many other parts. I charge actual shipping and that shouldn't be much on one pin.
Oso Handy Restorations
aloso@q.com
If you are using the original bearings in the pinion, do not leave out the pin. That pin is what determines the depth of mesh of the pinion gear. You can just use a soft steel rod 9/32 and cut to length. The square shaft will take the torque and the pressure on the gear will be against the thrust bearing inside the rear axle. The pin will only hold the joint from moving forward or the driveshaft backward. Very little pressure in that direction.
Norm
Many thanks Andy- but I just finished making one and it is already in the driveshaft and fully assembled. Thanks to all who helped me determine hardness and size for the pin! Love this forum!