U-Joint Bearing Caps

[moparfreak]

Hi All,

Took the long weekend as an opportunity to wrap up a 727 transmission rebuild & install on my '73 SE, and when it came time to slide the driveshaft back in, I realized that one of the bearing caps on the #2 (rear) u-joint was missing. The driveshaft has been out of the car for awhile now (a few years) and was moved around a few times too, so I'm assuming that the cap simply fell off at some point never to be seen again.

Does anyone know where I can find just the bearing caps to fit my car? I don't want to replace the whole U-joint (the cross), because I don't have the tools to press it out (plus, it's probably not necessary). What specs do I need to ensure I buy the right cap?

Thanks!
Adam

[John_Kunkel]

The bearing cups aren't sold separately, you'll have to get a new joint or find some of equal size on another drive shaft (not recommended).

[moparfreak]

So purchasing a new u-joint and replacing the two bearing caps is not recommended? Any reason?

What the process for replacing the whole cross assembly? What tools are needed?

Thanks,
Adam

[FLG]

Replace the whole U-Joint with a spicer one from mancini.

You dont "need" a press. Ive changed multiple u joints on the floor or with a vice.

Remove the snap rings from the joint, take a socket of slightly smaller size and a hammer and knock the one side down so the opposite cap falls out, knock it the other way so the other cap comes out. Do the reverse to get the new one in, just be VERY careful not to make any of the bearings fall (ive had it happen) just keep the cross section inside the cap when your tapping the new one in so the bearings stay where there supposed too. It dosnt take much force to get them in.

If you dont feel comfortable doing it you can bring it to a local tranny shop or any reputable shop for that matter and it should be easily done.

[HITMAN 149]

hey adam...
if all you need is ONE end cap... and the rest of the u-joint and caps are ok.... just got to  the auto store & get a new u joint... (i just paid $12 for a new one the other day)... then just pop on the ONE cap u need that's missing!!!

[John_Kunkel]

The problem with just switching caps is that not all manufacturers use the same inside dimensions, the OD of the cups and the width of the assembled u-joint must meet a certain spec but the insides don't.

IOW, one maker might use a slightly smaller diameter cross and larger diameter rollers in the cup or vice versa.

[HITMAN 149]

hmmmm goood point john!! thanks!! i didnt think of dat!!!
i actually have to call the driveshaft place tomorrow...
the yoke on my rearend is NOW SMALLER than my orig one.. before my douche ex-buddy swapped them out.. now the new ujoints we put in wont fit!!!! grrrrr it never ends!!!! lol
so now i gotta get the d-shaft place to mix n match the caps!!! lol