Rear U-joint retainers--'55
 

Is there some kind of special tool for unbolting the rear U-joint from the yoke on my '55 Ford? The heads appear to be 1/2" but I can't get a grip on them with a 1/2" box end or open end wrench, I'm about to the point of cutting the heads off and just replacing the retainers.

Re: Rear U-joint retainers--'55
 

My 55 sedan had a Mechanics type u joint in the rear, same as on my 54. It took a regular 7/16 end wrench to remove the bolts, but there were bent over locks to hit first with a chisel and hammer. Yours may be dirty to the point of "no seeum" locks.

Re: Rear U-joint retainers--'55
 

Part number 4693 in this diagram. The 4 tabs are bent over the sides of the nuts, to prevent them from coming off unexpectedly.

https://www.classictbird.com/Plate-D...ductinfo/4693/
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Re: Rear U-joint retainers--'55
 

Just bend the tabs back so you can get a wrench on the nuts/bolts. I usually insert a screw driver between the tab and nut and bend it.

Re: Rear U-joint retainers--'55
 

Thanks, that helps a lot, especially with the diagram! One of the joys of working on something that hasn't seen a wrench in 50+ years.