driveshaft question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

paintpyro · 07-23-2003, 11:29 AM

I swapped out rear ends, but having an issue with the u-bolts at the driveshaft. Did Chevy use more than one pinion size? The u-bolts dont seem to fit in the pinion on the rear end. I dont have the old rear end around to check the old one, but they just wont fit. I even tried replacements and nothing. Has anyone else experienced this, its like the u-bolts are too narrow.

I'm thinkin of tryin some Moroso U-joint girdles, I'm thinkin theyll have a little more adjustment during the install. Anyone ever tried these?

**CPNE** · 07-23-2003, 01:46 PM

I've only see u-joint diameter differences between 1/2 and 3/4 ton pinions and driveshafts.

You can purchase "Hybrid" ujoints that allow you to mix and match different u-joint diameters.

You didn't specify what you have and what you swapped in.

paintpyro · 07-23-2003, 01:53 PM

Sorry, Ive got a half ton, pulled 3.73 12 bolt, put in a 3.08 12 bolt.

Here are the girdles.

Long Knight · 07-23-2003, 03:30 PM

Neat! I just used the original rusty U-Bolts.

paintpyro · 07-23-2003, 03:37 PM

I would if I could get them to fit. Any ideas?

**COBALT** · 07-23-2003, 03:48 PM

The 3/4 ton rear ends had HUGE U-bolts for the rear u-joint. The half tons (and some Dana applications) are smaller. You might want to measure your U-joint, the space between the holes on the yoke, the size of the required U-bolt, and spend some time at a reliable parts store getting the right set.

paintpyro · 07-23-2003, 06:08 PM

I didnt know that a reliable parts store existed anymore

paintpyro · 08-19-2003, 10:01 AM

Well, a buddy came over and helped me pull my head outta my butt. Isn't it strange how u-bolts won't work on a strap type pinion.

Bolted back in with my 5 inch drop, new rear brakes this weekend.

I gotta get her on the road. Isn't it amazing how a divorce can light a fire under you.

07-23-2003, 11:29 AM	#1
paintpyro Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA,USA Posts: 1,579	Help, driveshaft/rear end ? I swapped out rear ends, but having an issue with the u-bolts at the driveshaft. Did Chevy use more than one pinion size? The u-bolts dont seem to fit in the pinion on the rear end. I dont have the old rear end around to check the old one, but they just wont fit. I even tried replacements and nothing. Has anyone else experienced this, its like the u-bolts are too narrow. I'm thinkin of tryin some Moroso U-joint girdles, I'm thinkin theyll have a little more adjustment during the install. Anyone ever tried these? __________________ 70 shortbed stepside "Schleprock" 350 w/TH400 rallys and BFGs -We can rebuild it, we have the technology-lower,shinier,faster Last edited by paintpyro; 07-23-2003 at 01:31 PM.

07-23-2003, 01:46 PM	#2
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,662	I've only see u-joint diameter differences between 1/2 and 3/4 ton pinions and driveshafts. You can purchase "Hybrid" ujoints that allow you to mix and match different u-joint diameters. You didn't specify what you have and what you swapped in. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

07-23-2003, 01:53 PM	#3
paintpyro Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA,USA Posts: 1,579	Sorry, Ive got a half ton, pulled 3.73 12 bolt, put in a 3.08 12 bolt. Here are the girdles. Attached Images __________________ 70 shortbed stepside "Schleprock" 350 w/TH400 rallys and BFGs -We can rebuild it, we have the technology-lower,shinier,faster

07-23-2003, 03:30 PM	#4
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Neat! I just used the original rusty U-Bolts. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

07-23-2003, 03:37 PM	#5
paintpyro Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA,USA Posts: 1,579	I would if I could get them to fit. Any ideas? __________________ 70 shortbed stepside "Schleprock" 350 w/TH400 rallys and BFGs -We can rebuild it, we have the technology-lower,shinier,faster

07-23-2003, 03:48 PM	#6
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	The 3/4 ton rear ends had HUGE U-bolts for the rear u-joint. The half tons (and some Dana applications) are smaller. You might want to measure your U-joint, the space between the holes on the yoke, the size of the required U-bolt, and spend some time at a reliable parts store getting the right set. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

07-23-2003, 06:08 PM	#7
paintpyro Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA,USA Posts: 1,579	I didnt know that a reliable parts store existed anymore __________________ 70 shortbed stepside "Schleprock" 350 w/TH400 rallys and BFGs -We can rebuild it, we have the technology-lower,shinier,faster

08-19-2003, 10:01 AM	#8
paintpyro Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA,USA Posts: 1,579	Well, a buddy came over and helped me pull my head outta my butt. Isn't it strange how u-bolts won't work on a strap type pinion. Bolted back in with my 5 inch drop, new rear brakes this weekend. I gotta get her on the road. Isn't it amazing how a divorce can light a fire under you. __________________ 70 shortbed stepside "Schleprock" 350 w/TH400 rallys and BFGs -We can rebuild it, we have the technology-lower,shinier,faster



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