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Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration
Joined: 3/19/2008
Posts: 1,260
Location: Steubenville, OH
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I was reading a Tech thread on Pirate about Pinion Yokes that use U Bolts instead of Straps. Most stock Yokes come with a Threaded Yoke that uses Two straps and four 8mm bolts to hold the Driveshaft U joint to the pinion. These straps are a weak link and will break and ruin your day or weekend. Not only is it weak, the 8mm bolts can strip out or break off inside the yoke and then you're screwed.
They sell overpriced kits for like $100 that include a new pinion yoke, and 2 U Bolts, 4 nuts to swap over to the stronger set up... But I was thinking how can I do this myself.
Basically, from S&W Race Cars you can buy the U bolts & Nuts for $11.55. All you gotta do is drill out the threaded holes to the size you need to fit the U Bolt through. Next, the backside of the Yoke is where the Nuts need a flat surface to tighten down against... So after drilling out the threaded holes, you take a dremel and flatten out the 4 areas where the nuts will be... And you're Done. That's it.
I got my 3/8 U Bolts today... When I do this to my rear 1350 yoke, I'll post pics of the entire process.
For $11.55 you can easily convert your Dana 30, 35, 44 to this set up. It's a big upgrade for little money.
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Rank: Trail Master!
Groups: Member
Joined: 11/5/2008
Posts: 346
Location: richmond
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Admin wrote:
Basically, from S&W Race Cars you can buy the U bolts & Nuts for $11.55.
I think they're around 3 dollars at napa. I'd grab some spares, anything can break.
74 CJ 5: SOA conversion, 33x12.50 TSL's, FOR SALE 94 Ford Ranger/Mazda B4000. 351W, C6, NP208, Working on Dana 60's "A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living." - John F. Kennedy "We have failed to listen to America. If we pass this bill, there will be no turning back. It will be the last straw for the American people. In a democracy, you can only ignore the will of the people for so long and get away with it." - House Minority Leader John Boehner
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Rank: Trail Master!
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Joined: 6/11/2009
Posts: 250
Location: East Liverpool
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well I can testify to how big a pain in the ass this problem can be. As some specially Nelson can remember I broke off my rear U-joint last year climbing up Stage coach. The U-bolt broke in half and it sheered off both of those those 8mm bolts flush with the yoke. Had to remove the yoke and drill out those harden 8 steel bolts to get them to back out. Wasnt to big of a pain to fix but it did ruin the rest of that day of riding.
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Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration
Joined: 3/19/2008
Posts: 1,260
Location: Steubenville, OH
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U bolts won't break, if they do somehow... The broken piece slides right out.
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Rank: Trail Leader!
Groups: Member
Joined: 10/20/2008
Posts: 205
Location: Roseville, Ohio
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They are 2-3 bucks for a set at autozone. 8.25 rears CAN NOT be converted. d35's can, d44's can.. ect
www.offroadohio.comtraction will only take you so far...after that you need momentum
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Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration
Joined: 3/19/2008
Posts: 1,260
Location: Steubenville, OH
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Everything in the Autozone system is based off model & year, if I walked in and said I need 1350 Yoke U Bolts
they would ask what model & year. What do u say if the vehicle didn't come with U bolts originally?
Plus... Do you think they're strong hardened steel?
The ones I got are Strange brand, they're good ones. I wonder how the guys at the desk can look them?
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Rank: Trail Master!
Groups: Member
Joined: 11/5/2008
Posts: 346
Location: richmond
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When I did mine I went to Napa. They have a selection of them in the back. I bought one strap of each size, figured out which one fit, then returned the rest. I would imagine any of them should be grade 8 steel.
74 CJ 5: SOA conversion, 33x12.50 TSL's, FOR SALE
94 Ford Ranger/Mazda B4000. 351W, C6, NP208, Working on Dana 60's
"A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living." - John F. Kennedy
"We have failed to listen to America. If we pass this bill, there will be no turning back. It will be the last straw for the American people. In a democracy, you can only ignore the will of the people for so long and get away with it." - House Minority Leader John Boehner
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Rank: Trail Master!
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/5/2008
Posts: 329
Location: chester,wv.
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Sometimes when I walk into our AutoZone the guys give me a funny look, ask what the hell you guys doing now, and point
to the isle behind the counter with those parts. They've kinda figured out its easier and less returns that way.
They all know what were building and always ask about it....If we only had a sponser...........
THIS IS GONNA HURT!!!!!
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