Anyone have their U-Joints fail?? im worried

[GS70350]

Hey guys, i would like to know how strong the stock U joints are. i havent heard of anyone breaking them on the board, but i would think that with some of these E brake launches and high boost launches that its bound to happen to me soon, and i dont want it to be when i drive the car to the track. i havent done any high boost launches yet, but i fear the day when i do. are the stockers strong enough? how do i check them? how fast can i go before i should upgrade, im just wanting some low 12s high 11s.

thanks

 

[RealFastV6]

The stock u-joints are very strong, dont worry about it. However, make sure they are stock (solid, non-greasable), and haven't been replaced with greasable ones.

 

[Danster]

Why not greasable I still have solid ones but was thinking of changing them out to greasable ones. Can you explain why, thanks!


Dannyo

 

[ChrisF]

Greaseable joints are cross drilled and therefore weaker.

Use Spicer severe duty ones, I have had good luck with em.

HTH

 

[1ARUNEM]

I second the suggestion of spicers.. Just had them put in a custom aluminum shaft..

 

[Danster]

Are the spicers available at local auto parts? Vendors only?

dannyo

 

[azgn]

we once had some stock u-joints fail.....20 lb launch and the rear end was seized (you DID put some grease in that rear didn't you?)

made for a hellofapicture

 

[1ARUNEM]

You can check with your local parts house and see if they have them. I probably wouldn't bother checking Autozone or Advance though.. If you can't find them at a parts house, check with your local driveshaft shop.

HTH..

 

[Jon01]

I broke one in my Scout-sheared the ears clean off...that was back in high school, and I'm amazed with all the punishment I gave that thing that that was the only thing I broke. It was a solid unit, but 100's of 4K+clutch dumps in a 6000 lb vehicle took their toll.
I'd replace them if there's much mileage on them, imagine what will happen if one lets go at any speed and flops around under there...floorpan fubared, tranny case mangled, end for end flips, not pretty stuff.
I think Jegs or Scummit sells the HD Spicer ones, that or a good rearend/HD truck parts shop should stock their stuff. I know that at the small auto parts store I worked at we could special order them.

 

[Reaper]

Originally posted by azgn
we once had some stock u-joints fail.....20 lb launch and the rear end was seized (you DID put some grease in that rear didn't you?)

made for a hellofapicture

yea that was my fault


Dathan

 

[Quickturbosix]

There was a guy on the board up near Chitown that broke one. I went up to pick up some headers I bought from him. He had just came back from testing and his drive shaft looked like a pretzel. He said it let go in the last third of a 10 second blast. Drive shaft loop saved him.

Put a drive shaft loop in while your at it. Kill 2 birds with one stone. And the added safety wont hurt. I like the Metco loops myself.

Good luck.

 

[GS70350]

as far as driveshaft loops go, what if i just took a piece of 1/4 inch plate steel,, and cut it out like that stock driveshaft strap they have on there, and i screwed it in where that one goes. i know i wouldnt have 360 degrees of protection, but at least it wouldnt fall DOWN and hit the ground that way. im going to this challenge, and its budget limited, so i cant afford 40 dollars for that loop or ill go over my budget. if you think a thick steel plate will save me on a 12 second run, let me know, if not, it looks like ill have to alter my budget plans a tad. : )
thanks