The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 46' 1/2 ton torque tube bell adjustment

Hi Folks, I'm installing a seal kit and new u-joint in my 46 Chev 1/2 ton. While trying to shim the ball retaining flange per instructions it appears that even without any shims the ball will not draw tight against the housing. There is evidence of a previous u-joint failure inside the housing. The ball is in good condition and the retaining flange ears are straight.
Does anyone know exactly where the ball is supposed to contact the housing? Perhaps this surface on the housing is worn beyond spec. Thanks for any ideas or possible solutions.

Did you put the cork seal in the ball collar?
5.572 Seal unit/cork seal Scroll down
The cork seal keeps the ball collar from making contact with U-joint ball housing.
The cork seal may not be thick enough.

Q.Does anyone know exactly where the ball is supposed to contact the housing?
A. If you mean tranny tail housing, the u-joint ball housing swivels inside it.

The cork seal was not in place during the adjustment as per the shop manual. After looking at the diagram it appears that the ball contacts the tail shaft housing at end of the ball. My housing does have a definate wear ring where the ball is in contact with it. Maybe this is my problem.