The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline U joint play question

I have a 3100 with a 4 speed and the torque tube. It was missing the u joint when I bought it and found a replacement. The first thing that popped out to me was the difference in the u joints compared to standard ones of today. This one has bushing instead of caps and roller bearings. My question is it seems as though there is a lot of play in the u joint. Is that normal or do i need to buy a replacement one with new bushings. The truck is very close to being on the road and last thing i want to happen is the u joint to fail. There is a link to a video of it below.

http://s138.photobucket.com/user/cotsi95/media/chevy%203100/IMG_4690_zpscdc469f7.mp4.html

Thanks,
Wade

There is a fair amount of side play normally. The torque tube drive shaft and U' joint bell keep the U' joint centered.

That is what i figured but i didn't know if that was too much side play.

Anyone else have any input?

I recently had my U joint apart in my 54 1/2 ton and I don't remember mine having that much play.

Just installed mine, stock 3100 3 speed it had play buy not quite that much

From your video, I can't determine if all that play is just end play. What kind of play do you have fore and aft? That will tell you if your bushings are not too loose.

none fore and aft just side to side.

I would say that you are in good shape. You just need to hook everything up and adjust according to the manual.

will do thanks!

By the way, What does CoTsi95 stand for? For some reason, at first glance, I see CoiTus, which of course has its own specific meaning. LOL

I redone mine once, had the four speed with Patricks 355 ring pinion, their modified four speed sagnaw... drove that sucker for about eight yrs with the enclosed tube.......then one day
I popped the clutch on an incline with a driver about a foot behind me,heard a pop and the truck would not moved...towed it home and appeared the the u joint was the problem.. I replaced it, took a while because I had it in the street, by my self and
me not being a mechanic, got er done... took it for a test drive and all was sweet... I was so proud of myself..........next day
I was driving to work and ever thing came unglued....finally got to work and limped home in second gear...............

I decided it was time to install s-10 five speed, local shop did the work.......... imagine that.lol......best decision I ever made.. almost double the gas mileage... a lot lower rpm at 70 or how ever fast I wanted to drive it........I am sure you will have better luck then I did....

the shop guy said the u joints looked ok... so guess the problem must have been in the rear end, replaced that booger with a blazer...

Haha i get that a lot but really its a user name ive had for a long time. I just use it on every forum. I have another car that ive done a lot of work and modifying too and it saids for that.

CO = colorado
TSI= my turbo awd eagle talon
95= 1995 (year of my talon)

I pronounce it CO..T..S..I

I wouldn't take offense if I were you. My interpretation of your user name says more about me than it does about you.

No offense taken. It's a pretty unusual user name unless your around a certain type of car. Most people pronounce it cot-si.