U Joint Surprise - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MACO · 11-14-2018, 03:11 AM

For the most part my truck has not been messed with and is mostly original. My u joints are leaking grease so it is time to replace them. I went to take a look and verify the sizes (looks like I need a 1310 and two 1350) and was surprised with what I saw on the front u joint. A PO had used a chisel to "stake" the u joint clips as they did not fit into the groves. With a small screw driver I was able to easily pop the clip. I am not sure how long it has been like this but I am surprised the clips did not come out at some point. I was going to go for some BBQ with my daughter this weekend but don't feel comfortable with the clips(even though I have driven many miles and not know the clips were installed like this).

**clay68c10** · 11-14-2018, 07:56 AM

Wow, can’t say as I’ve ever seen that bit of hackery before.
Can you get the retaining channel opened back up?

GRX · 11-14-2018, 08:27 AM

Yeah. Somebody screwed up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clay68c10

Wow, can’t say as I’ve ever seen that bit of hackery before.
Can you get the retaining channel opened back up?

I have seen ones that were actually tack welded there. Usually because they totally distorted the channel from beating on it. Would not be surprised to find some of the needles dislodged during install, preventing the caps from seating properly.

Mike C · 11-14-2018, 10:13 AM

Whenever I buy a vehicle and the previous owner tells me they have been working on it, that automatically results in a reduction of the asking price by significant $$$. Chances are they did stupid stuff like that.

I assume your truck has a big block in it with the 1350 joints on the driveshaft? I R&R'd the shaft on the '71 GMC C1500 402 truck I have as well as the '69 C/10 shorty. I found all 1310 joints in the C10, but a mix of 1310/1350 in the big block truck.

71meangreenc10 · 11-14-2018, 10:36 AM

You should see some of the "Engineering" I run into. The seller of the 68 Burb I bought said "You have to pump the brakes many times to get it to stop". Turns out the master cylinder was half empty. I'll continue to say that some folks "Do not need to own tools"....Check out the thread on Sloppy Jo... Awesome Engineering in that one....

Smitty

MACO · 11-14-2018, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clay68c10

Wow, can’t say as I’ve ever seen that bit of hackery before.
Can you get the retaining channel opened back up?

The retaining channel looks ok, I think they used the wrong joint or a needle bearing is stuck under the cap. I will be taking the D/S out in the next few days and will be checking the retaining channels carefully.

MACO · 11-14-2018, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

Whenever I buy a vehicle and the previous owner tells me they have been working on it, that automatically results in a reduction of the asking price by significant $$$. Chances are they did stupid stuff like that.

I assume your truck has a big block in it with the 1350 joints on the driveshaft? I R&R'd the shaft on the '71 GMC C1500 402 truck I have as well as the '69 C/10 shorty. I found all 1310 joints in the C10, but a mix of 1310/1350 in the big block truck.

Yes my truck has a big block. This is the only really stupid thing I have found on my truck, mostly original.

I know one of the previous owners had no mechanical knowledge and had stacks of bills for repairs I got with the truck. I guess anything can happen in 50 years.

MACO · 11-14-2018, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71meangreenc10

You should see some of the "Engineering" I run into. The seller of the 68 Burb I bought said "You have to pump the brakes many times to get it to stop". Turns out the master cylinder was half empty. I'll continue to say that some folks "Do not need to own tools"....Check out the thread on Sloppy Jo... Awesome Engineering in that one....

Smitty

I was a technician for 17 years so I have seen some stuff. I have been going through all the mechanical on my truck since I got it and making sure it is 100%. U joints and carrier bearing were on my list as the grease had been over pumped into the u joints and broke the seals so grease leaks out. Never took a really close look until now. If a clip had came out it could have got expensive.

Yes some people should not own tools. My problem is all my tools are metric as I worked for Lexus. I am having to buy new tools for my truck!

11-14-2018, 03:11 AM	#1
MACO Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: British Columbia CANADA Posts: 118	U Joint Surprise For the most part my truck has not been messed with and is mostly original. My u joints are leaking grease so it is time to replace them. I went to take a look and verify the sizes (looks like I need a 1310 and two 1350) and was surprised with what I saw on the front u joint. A PO had used a chisel to "stake" the u joint clips as they did not fit into the groves. With a small screw driver I was able to easily pop the clip. I am not sure how long it has been like this but I am surprised the clips did not come out at some point. I was going to go for some BBQ with my daughter this weekend but don't feel comfortable with the clips(even though I have driven many miles and not know the clips were installed like this). Attached Images __________________ 1969 C20 Customer Camper CST, 396, TH400, Factory A/C, Olive Green.

11-14-2018, 07:56 AM	#2
clay68c10 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 2,935	Re: U Joint Surprise Wow, can’t say as I’ve ever seen that bit of hackery before. Can you get the retaining channel opened back up? __________________ ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ

11-14-2018, 10:13 AM	#4
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,715	Re: U Joint Surprise Whenever I buy a vehicle and the previous owner tells me they have been working on it, that automatically results in a reduction of the asking price by significant $$$. Chances are they did stupid stuff like that. I assume your truck has a big block in it with the 1350 joints on the driveshaft? I R&R'd the shaft on the '71 GMC C1500 402 truck I have as well as the '69 C/10 shorty. I found all 1310 joints in the C10, but a mix of 1310/1350 in the big block truck. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

11-14-2018, 10:36 AM	#5
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,159	Re: U Joint Surprise You should see some of the "Engineering" I run into. The seller of the 68 Burb I bought said "You have to pump the brakes many times to get it to stop". Turns out the master cylinder was half empty. I'll continue to say that some folks "Do not need to own tools"....Check out the thread on Sloppy Jo... Awesome Engineering in that one.... Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time



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