As I line up everything for assembly, I wonder if someone that has done this before can help with a question... When putting together the center section u-joint there is a significant gap where the shaft does not come all the way up on the same level as the yoke... Is this correct, or is the bearing not seated all the way into the shaft ?
Also, the mounting hardware only consists of a bolt, lock washer and large (thick) flat washer... Is there something missing? As for the u-joint, could I fit a later style, such as the last photo even though it is not heavy duty, or is it splined differently? Original style are difficult to service and I cannot find parts, such as the locking rings...
Could use mechanic's wire or s/s aviation wire and just go all the way around as an alternative?
Lastly, the shop manual talks about test fitting the front collar to the ball without the cork collar gasket... Aside from that, should I at least have one paper gasket on the collar regardless, or can I use shellac? I really don't want any leaks, or have to take this apart again....
Would anyone know the part number for the u-joint and bell gasket set? or original GM # for the gasket? The one from the vendor I normally use (ME820) has it on back order... Trying to purchase locally through Napa...Thank you.
After digging up the old shaft, I figured out the correct position for all the components within the tube... As it turns out, I did not have the bearing seated all the way in into the shaft and tube... The third photo shows where the yoke should sit in relation to the shaft...
