I have a 1969 Kingswood Estate wagon and I'm getting ready to start some transmission work (filter, fluid, output seal). I figured I might as well change the U-Joints as they're original to the car and it has 99,000 miles on it and is 51 years old. The car has a 350 TH trans and 12-bolt rear.
Considering the average guy behind parts counters today cannot do anything but look into his computer screen and regurgitate the notes therein, I'm reaching out to my fellow SS 427 brethren.
Questions:
1. Are there differences in the U-Joints from auto trans to manual trans? I figured the yoke designs would be different but I'm not sure about the U-Joints.
2. Does anyone know where I can get USA made U-Joints for my wagon?
Amazon has spicer u joints. I ordered them and matched My vehicle, and installed them. I use a heavy duty vise and different sized sockets to press them out and press them in. A turbo 350 and 4 speed are the same. A turbo 400 is heavy duty size. Remove the grease fitting and the end clips on the yoke and press the yoke into a larger size socket. Remove the cap and press the yoke the other way until the cap is out and remove the input shaft. Installation is the opposite, except You have to press the caps in until You can install the clips. The back is easier. Go to a shop if You are not sure How to do it. NICK L72 427impalasportcoupe
Your best bet for something like this is to take the driveshaft to a driveshaft shop. Most of them keep a pretty good inventory of u-joints on the shelf and they should be able to get the old ones pressed out and the new ones installed while you wait.
The brand most better shops use these days is Spicer. I think they're still US made too.
If your concerned about it or just want to make sure, the driveshaft shop should also be able to check the balance on the shaft. After all those years and miles it might not be a bad idea.
on 3/21/2020, 12:51 pm