1959 U Joints

[northerngmc]

I took my mainly stock 1959 GMC out for a drive tonight and coming home it has a vibration between 20 - 45 mph. I am wondering if it is a u-joint. It would vibrate under power and not off power.

Are these u-joints a common piece?

Are they still easily available?

[Wrenchbender Ret]

They could very well be causing the problem. With the trans in neutral get under the truck & grab the drive shaft. There should be no play in the U-joints either twisting or up & down. If that seems OK pull the drive shaft out & make sure the joints turn both directions without binding. If they have a binding place they should be replaced. They are common parts available at any parts store.

[raycow]

One piece or two piece driveshaft? If two piece, check the center bearing support first. The rubber in these rots away after a while and lets the bearing move around when it is under load.

If one piece, check the U-joints for play as already suggested. The U-joints are still available from almost any parts store, and they are not expensive.

Ray

[northerngmc]

Thanks guys, yes it is a one piece drive shaft. I will get it and pull it this weekend.

[northerngmc]

Well job done and thought I would report back for others.

Front u joint was wrecked. Grease nipple was out of it and one cup the needle bearings were gone.

Both u joints are the same and very standard, a 369, and were in stock.

Parts guy said if it had a heavy duty manual transmission that the front u joint would be a larger one.

Drives great again.

[raycow]

Thank you for the feedback. It's always good to hear how these things work out.

Ray