Universal Joints Again

[55 Fargo]

Last spring I bought the wrong u-joints for my Canadian 1947 Chrysler C38 6 cyl car. I was sold the USA spec U-joints, which is a cross and roller type with 2 regular caps, and 2 bolt down wing caps.These are what are used on US built 46-48 Chrysler cars.

On my car, and it is OEM from the Windsor Ontario plant, I have a cross and roller, Spicer u-joint, with 4 plain ordinary caps, the same as modern types.

Now I have yet to find a Canadian parts reference part # for these U-joints.

I am about to pull a u-joint, take to a parts Guy, measure, and see if I can get some modern equivalent to fit.

Any ideas, I was surprised I have "Spicer" u-joints, with outside clips, but may be lucky, if they are a common size being used on some application in the last 20 years.

Any ideas or suggestions welcomed.......Fred

[Plymouthy Adams]

Streamline as best I read it...Chrysler 1940-1947 cross and roller 857999 not to be confused with the joint cross roller and bearing block assembly...858002

according to the book the cross is the same part number for both style as it is a mix and match part number configuration....the four endcaps are the same also..so just mic it for width and endcap diameter and go match it up...

[55 Fargo]

Streamline as best I read it...Chrysler 1940-1947 cross and roller 857999 not to be confused with the joint cross roller and bearing block assembly...858002

according to the book the cross is the same part number for both style as it is a mix and match part number configuration....the four endcaps are the same also..so just mic it for width and endcap diameter and go match it up...

Thats what I have been thinking, just got off the phone woth Collectors Auto Supply, they have some at $30.00 a piece, which is more like it.

I figure by measuring, I probably will be able to buy tham at some local parts house. Thanx Tim

[55 Fargo]

I did a rough measurement on the u-joints on my car, end of cup to end of cup 3 inches, could be slightly less, and the cups are 1 1/16, should be able to find replacements based on size, these are a spicer type with outside style c clips.

[Plymouthy Adams]

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/summer2008/ujoints.htm

[55 Fargo]

Just got off the phone with 2 Vintage parts suppliers, both confirm my u-joint application, to be a spicer type, outside clips, overall measurement from outsdie of caps, is 3.218 or 3 7/32, and the bearing cup, is 1.062 or 1 1/16.

This appears to be a correct measurement to my u-joints, but still do not have the driveshaft right off, where I can absolutely verify measurement.

The good part is this, this U-joint is a Precision part#369, readily available, for about $15.00 each for NAPA brand, or $30.00 each for NOS from 1 supplier, and $75.00 from another supplier.

I will be pulling driveshaft soon, and will make sure of the correct part, and will probably buy from NAPA..........Thanx Fred

[Dodgeb4ya]

Just got off the phone with 2 Vintage parts suppliers, both confirm my u-joint application, to be a spicer type, outside clips, overall measurement from outsdie of caps, is 3.218 or 3 7/32, and the bearing cup, is 1.062 or 1 1/16.

This appears to be a correct measurement to my u-joints, but still do not have the driveshaft right off, where I can absolutely verify measurement.

The good part is this, this U-joint is a Precision part#369, readily available, for about $15.00 each for NAPA brand, or $30.00 each for NOS from 1 supplier, and $75.00 from another supplier.

I will be pulling driveshaft soon, and will make sure of the correct part, and will probably buy from NAPA..........Thanx Fred

Fred,

Buy only the USA heavy duty series U-joints-AKA "super Duty"/ and or "Super Strength". They are a much stronger higher quality U-joint. "Spicer" joints are of the best quality U-joints. Any made in China joints won't cut it-don't buy them!

Bob

[55 Fargo]

Fred,

Buy only the USA heavy duty series U-joints-AKA "super Duty"/ and or "Super Strength". They are a much stronger higher quality U-joint. "Spicer" joints are of the best quality U-joints. Any made in China joints won't cut it-don't buy them!

Bob

Hi Rob, I bought Precision heavy duty, USA made u-joints, $21.00 each here in Canada. They measure as per correct, this took me 2 years to get to the bottom of this. I should have pulled a u-joint and measured it a long time ago.....Fred

[TodFitch]

Hi Rob, I bought Precision heavy duty, USA made u-joints, $21.00 each here in Canada. They measure as per correct, this took me 2 years to get to the bottom of this. I should have pulled a u-joint and measured it a long time ago.....Fred

Could you post both the Chrysler part number and the replacement brand and part number? It might make it easier for the next person. Thanks!

[55 Fargo]

Could you post both the Chrysler part number and the replacement brand and part number? It might make it easier for the next person. Thanks!

This u-joint Part number is for Canadian 46-48 6 cyl Mopar Cars, the TRW # is 20049, Neapco 1-0153, Precision #369, Spicer 5-153X, and this u-joint is in common use in Chevrolet.

I do not have Chrysler Corp parts #, but if anyone has the Canadian 40s Mopar parts listing book it should be in there.

Just keep in mind, I have not installed these u-joints yet, and still need to drop the driveshaft to be absolutely sure this is the right animal.........Fred

[55 Fargo]

Today I pulled the driveshaft, it was apparent immediately I had the correct u-joint( Precision 369) for replacement.

I brought the driveshaft and u-joint to a heavy duty mechanic shop, they installed the new u-joint, I used a Precision 369 on the front, and a Precision super heavy duty #280 on the rear, they are the same u-joint , one is super heavy duty, and has the grease nipple on the end of the cap.

The rear Spicer u-joint had serious wear, and some broken needle bearings, the front u-joint was not too bad, but replaced anywway. The Spicer replacement is a #1320 series Spicer U-joint.

I saved a lot of cash by not buying a set of NOS U-joints from an NOS supplier, this is a common joint, and is for 46-48 Canadian Mopar 6 cyl Cars.

I will post some pics later..........Fred

Total Price, $60.00 Cdn for the U-joints, and $75 Cdn labor (1 hour) for shop to install on the driveshaft, I did the R&R on the car, remember this si Canada, prices are higher here

Edited November 2, 2010 by Rockwood

[55 Fargo]

My pinion seal is leaking, need to fix that, and new rear springs are in the future...........Fred

[1950 Special Deluxe]

 I used a Precision 369 on the front, and a Precision super heavy duty #280 on the rear, they are the same u-joint , one is super heavy duty, and has the grease nipple on the end of the cap.

 

 

Fred, sorry to dredge up an old post, But why did you use one of each?

I am looking at replacing mine and was looking at using both #280.

Thanks

Neil

 

[Dodgeb4ya]

1946-48 chryslers use this "winged' style of U-joint and are hard to find....

 

Six cylinder cars  ............................................MoPar part #947550

Eight cylinder cars and LWB...........................Mopar part #947551 

 

Freds canadian chrysler has a std clutch and 3 speed in it-not the M-5 and FD coupling and uses very common U-joints as in the 51 and up 1/2 ton dodge PU.

Bob

[1950 Special Deluxe]

My car is also Canadian.

1950 Dodge Special Deluxe manufactured in Windsor as well.

Edited September 25, 2014 by 1950 Special Deluxe

[1950 Special Deluxe]

Just installed 2 Precision #280 heavy duty U Joints in my Canadian Dodge.

Thanks Fred for doing all the leg work and documenting it for others.

Everything worked perfectly.

[55 Fargo]

Hope it was helpful to you Neil.

The Canadian Mopar Cars form 1946- early 49, employed this same universal joints for all PDDC.

This would have been the case for all 3 spd standards, 3 spd standards and fluid drive, and the M5/6 trans and fluid drives. The US built Chryslers used the wing style caps on their Chrysler U-joints.

Canadas, are simple, readily available and cheap to buy.

[1950 Special Deluxe]

It was a great help Fred.

I used the 280's front and rear.

They fit perfectly.

I bought them when I was in California for a training course.

The whole job was under $50.

The old ones weren't too bad but were at least 20 years old.

I also changed all 4 tie rod ends so am quite anxious to drive again and see how it handles.

Thanks again,

Neil