U-Joint Conversion

[FlagstaffSVX]

Hey guys, I just had a quick question since my U-Joint on my drive shaft sounds like it's going to jump out of my glove box at any second and bite my head off. Subaruparts.com lists a new driveline at $450 but I found another website that claims to sell a conversion to a standard, user-serviceable U-Joint. Can anyone confirm the integrity and or products this company offers?

http://www.staugustinefwd.com/RWD/Staked/staked.html

Staked U-Joint's

Have a good one and Happy Birthady to me! 5/26/83, my birthday has made me realize I've accomplished nothing spectacular in the past year...

[Beav]

I posted that web addy some time ago.

U-joints aren't rocket science, and most of the difficulties in reparing them is manufacturer created. The only reason for them to create staked-in joints in the first place was greed. Elimination of the machining required for a snap ring and the snap ring itself probably saved them a whole dollar per shaft. I recognize the economics of production, but when serviceability is removed/eliminated from a part I consider it greed. Anyway...

There's nothing wrong with using those joints, and it would be silly to spend $400+ on a new shaft that isn't otherwise damaged. In fact if you went to your local part store with those part numbers they should be able to round them up for you. Replacing the joints will be a tad more difficult than normal due to the staking, but a good mechanic shouldn't be too challenged. I would have no doubt that I would use them, however the previous owner of my car gave the dealer $600 to replace mine.

[FlagstaffSVX]

Thanks for the advice Beav. The site emailed me back and apparently they offer a U-joint for 24 bucks. So my plan is to take the SVX to my mechanic friend, buy him dinner and have him look at it then buy the joint and borrow his 4-post lift to install it. Probably take a week. Talk to you later guys...

[Trevor]

Beav don't be shy, your mind works like greased lightning and no mistake.

[huck369]

Originally posted by FlagstaffSVX

Have a good one and Happy Birthady to me! 5/26/83, my birthday has made me realize I've accomplished nothing spectacular in the past year...

Happy birthday ..........I graduated in 1983…….Man You just made me feel old

[Beav]

Originally posted by FlagstaffSVX
Thanks for the advice Beav. The site emailed me back and apparently they offer a U-joint for 24 bucks. So my plan is to take the SVX to my mechanic friend, buy him dinner and have him look at it then buy the joint and borrow his 4-post lift to install it. Probably take a week. Talk to you later guys...

Uhh...I never recommend replacing just one u-joint - they all get greased at the same time (once only) and they all spin at the same speed. If one is bad you'll be lucky to go a month before another goes belly-up. I understand there are times when ya gotta do what ya gotta do, but if this isn't one of those times save yourself some grief.

[FlagstaffSVX]

Okay guys, new problem. I got it up on the lift and I need another part, the yoke that comes off the tranny is cracked because I've been driving on it. Unfortunatley, I can't find the part anywhere on either of the SVX parts websites. Does anybody know the offical name for it?

[Beav]

I believe the name for it is a yoke and you're screwed as far as Subaru is concerned. They sell complete driveshafts. I could be wrong but that's the way most OEMs are doing it these days. I had to install a shaft in a lowly S10 pick-up a week or so ago and it required a yoke that nobody had - but Chevy had a new shaft available, for $1100.

Hit the yellow pages and look for driveshaft rebuilders in your area.

[MoreIBNR]

Try posting in the Parts area. There are a couple of people parting out their cars there. Otherwise, try the auto graveyards.

[LarryIII]

Funny, my stock u-joints don't even look Shintoish.


Larry III