Axle u-joints

Tedredamphi

Platinum Subscriber
:032:Amphicar parts interchange shows Spicer 5-297x to be the replacement u-joint for rebuilding the rear axle? I bought one to compare and it is nowhere near the right size. Does anyone have a good number for this u-joint? I have the early axles!!
Thanks,
Ted
 

amphi_sc

Member
As I recall, there were two sizes of u-joints used. On my cars, they were 28mm x 70mm which I believe was also used on some Van-a-gon models. But, that size is also close to a NAPA 880 (made by precision, but I don't recall that number off the top of my head). It may be close, but it IS NOT PERFECT! It has an inside grease fitting in case you don't have the extra clearance needed for outside access. Anyway, the end bearing caps are just a little larger and the width is just a little short. But recognizing that 1 1/8 inches is about 28.5mm... and if you have access to a valve grinding machine (end caps are hardened material)... it can be turned down a little bit (about .5mm but do it slowly and evenly!) to fit snugly into the yoke. Then for the width problem, I used about a 80/1000 shim between each bearing cap and the outside retainer clip. (Hint, some common washers are about that thickness... just mic them to get a balanced set.) Anyway, I've been running those axles on one car for at least 7 years now, and another car for 4 or 5 years. But, your mileage may vary and it does take some work to make the imprecise part fit. Also, don't hold me liable for anything should the part substitution not work for you.
Al H
 

PeterP

Member
I'd have to dig through the mailing list archives, but a local shop was able to find one for me that fit perfectly. You might give them a call, or just see if you have a good driveline shop locally and take it by.
 

HDavidS

New Member
HOW DO I OPT OUT OF THESE DISCUSSIONS? Just too many emails?
----- Original Message -----
From: PeterP
To: dave@miniauto.com
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 2:54 PM
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-19937] Re: Axle u-joints


I'd have to dig through the mailing list archives, but a local shop was able to find one for me that fit perfectly. You might give them a call, or just see if you have a good driveline shop locally and take it by.





------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.11/1368 - Release Date: 4/9/2008 4:20 PM
 
Top