I have put a "wanted to buy a u-joint" ad in the classifieds. The joint that I got (uninstalled) with my car has been rebuilt with needle bearings installed. I understand they are concerns about using needle bearing joints so I will try to find a good used original.
Tommy, good call. I haven't had any experience with the needle bearing u-joints myself, but I think those are another "fix" for a problem that doesn't exist. Good usable u-joints are out there. JMHO. Dave
I have had one of Larry Azevedo's altered and rebuilt ujoints in my car three years running. I like it. I only have to grease it once a season and it has performed flawlessly. When I get my Tudor's running chassis together it will have one of Larry's too.
Check the u-joint closely. If the needles runs on separate hardened races, then it could work.
The earlier attempts at rebuilding U-Joints with needle bearings that failed maybe did so if they let the needles run at the reground surfaces of the Ford parts - they're not quite hard enough being a race for needles.
There have been needle bearings offered as a replacement for the upper driveshaft bushing that didn't work either - since the driveshaft surface isn't hard enough.
Thanks everybody. Thanks to you Roger for pointing out the separate race idea. I will check mine for that. Anyone know if Larry Azevedo's joints are marked or stamped with his mark? I wonder if the one I have is one of his.
Thanks again.
Tommy, in your other ad I suggested you track down Dave Huson. I know he has some good ones. Biggest reason for U joints to fail of course is not enough grease! Pack the living crap out of the ball when you install it, and keep it greased religiously. It'll outlive you.
Tommy, the best thing to do would be to get a hold of Larry Azevedo directly: dribblebit@comcast.net
Since he's one of our MTFCA directors, I'm sure he can answer all your questions and more.
I think my T runs a needle bearing uni joint, I haven't checked it but my father made a few of them. I'm not sure what donor parts were used, probably Toyota Corolla if he used what was lying around.
Larry has a record of every u joint he has made. Each is stamped with a serial number.
I know the "spokane" and "tulsa" people have purchased several.
I have ordered a(hopefully good) used joint. Short of removing the rivets and disassembling it what can I do to check it and lubricate it? Thanks.
I would first clean off as much of the external dirt and grime as I could with a wire wheel but NOT use any glass beads or sand blasting since more junk will get in than gets out. Then I would soak it repeatedly in a container of fuel oil (kerosene). The longer the better. Keep taking it out and blowing it out with compressed air if you have it. Work it back and forth and up and down and let it soak some more. I would NOT disassemble it. Once you have it flushed out then you can lubricate it and work more of that lube into it. Once on the car you fill the ball with grease and drive. They last a very long time with just about any decent grease. I like to pack the ball full of grease and let it come out around the edges.
Thanks. That's exactly what I will do. Once installed I don't want to ever see the u-joint again, if you know what I mean. I'm 60 years old so maybe my grandson will be the next one to see it.
Tommy there are good used U-joints out there for sale. To each his own but I think the original style u-joint will last many years if they are kept greased.
Even a u-joint that has a slight amount of wear will last a LONG time and with average driving MANY years. The key is lubrication.