Thanks to Tim, AChipmunk and Pre '68 Dave for your advice on the u-joint collar gaskets. I had to use two gaskets to set the proper adjustment on the ball shaft. Straightened the ears on the ball collar and tightened, then loosened the 4 bolts and re torqued the 4 bolts to 10 ft. lbs. Now the gasket/shims are laying flat. Thank you. Now, I have another question. How tight should the ball retainer on the ball shaft be tightened? I do have both washers and the new rubber sleeve.
fixit,
The test for proper tightness of the ball and collar takes place prior to installing the "cork" seal, as outlined in the Truck Shop Manual. You should be just barely able to move it with two hands. Once the "cork" seal is installed, you probably won't be able to move it by hand. Keep in mind that this ball does not move much in the collar once the truck is on the road. When it does move, it has the entire length of the torque tube as a lever to move it.
Carl
