The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 52 1/2 ton front u joint 3 speed

I removed the four U joint bolts that hold the drive shaft/torque tube to the transmission. Then I slid the yoke off the splined shaft. The yoke has a lot of movement on the bearing caps. It looks like there are inside clips on the u joint, and there is space between the clips and the yoke. It almost seems like it should have outside clips to prevent so much movement. Are the bearing caps pressed into the yoke, or should they be loose as mine are now? Thanks

TommyJ

Disregard, got ahead of myself. Should have checked the book first. I see these u joints use bushings instead of bearing caps. I think I have it covered. Thanks

Tommy,

You might want to post links to photos.

Here is a description of the original 1/2 ton enclosed driveshaft u-joint assembly/components.
The same description and illustration is shown in 47-54 shop manuals.
It uses bushings rather than needle bearings.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0451.ham

Maybe a different style u-joint assembly was used as a replacement over the last 50+ years?

Tommy, I understand your confusion with those u-joints. They seem to be held into place by imagination. Every time I inspect them (not often) my knee-jerk reaction is always, "Oh crap, they're shot." only to find out they are just fine.