The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Torque tube shims

I have replaced the universal on my 53 3100 and am wondering what you guys use on the ball collar shims as sealant.

I have used:
- nothing, which is unwieldy during testing/fitting/adjustment procedure
- blue gasket sealant, which is messy and awkward
- white grease, which made for easy adjustment, and maybe a little swelling of the paper shims?

I concur with tcdermam and to add,
Make sure all mating surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and the bolts are torqued to specifications.
Universal Joint Ball (Housing) Adjustment
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The four Universal Joint Ball (Housing) collar bolts, 8-12 ft. lbs. Torque.
The four Universal Joint bolts or cap screws, 25-30 ft.lbs. Torque read under assembly
The one Universal Joint front yoke attaching bolt, 15-20 ft. lbs. Torque

Don't forget the two U-Joint bolts/cap screws lock plates.

Note: The Universal Joint Ball (Housing) collar on the 1/2 ton trucks & Passenger cars equipped with Hydra-Matic / Powerglide transmissions use six bolts.
There is no change in torque spec

Thanks for the info.

Because the shims/gaskets are a little soft, the 4 retaining bolts tend to bend the ears of what Chevrolet called the Collar.
I always clamp the four ears, one at a time in my vise and give the collar a bump to straighten them.
Do not worry if you over bend the ears, as they will be pulled back in place with the bolts.