The Ford Barn

Shoebox · 02-23-2022, 08:50 AM

So I picked up new u joints for my '51 Tudor, a task more difficult than I expected, mainly because I wanted either Moog or Spicer. Anyhow the rear u joint (a Spicer) has a small flat "tie bar" seemingly tacked on from one cap to the other, this is for the caps that bolt to the diff, part # 5-2031X. Like most here, I have bought/installed a fair amount of u joints but never seen this, what might be the purpose? An aid in packaging, ease of installation? It appears this piece could be popped off with a flat blade screwdriver. Probably a dumb question but I just had to ask. Thanks

19Fordy · 02-23-2022, 09:37 AM

Sounds like its a "safety tie" that prevents bolts from turning and coming loose. Does it have tabs that bend up against the bolt heads to prevent them from turning?

Shoebox · 02-23-2022, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Sounds like its a "safety tie" that prevents bolts from turning and coming loose. Does it have tabs that bend up against the bolt heads to prevent them from turning?

The joint also came with bolts and lock pieces that the bolts go through and then tabs get bent up against bolt head, so it is something else. Thanks.

Bob C · 02-23-2022, 02:43 PM

A lot of the Mechanics type u-joints have the strap, don't know why.

Shoebox · 02-23-2022, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C

A lot of the Mechanics type u-joints have the strap, don't know why.

Yes, although not the same u joint, that is exactly the strap I am talking about. Thanks.

bbrocksr · 02-23-2022, 03:16 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoebox

So I picked up new u joints for my '51 Tudor, a task more difficult than I expected, mainly because I wanted either Moog or Spicer. Anyhow the rear u joint (a Spicer) has a small flat "tie bar" seemingly tacked on from one cap to the other, this is for the caps that bolt to the diff, part # 5-2031X. Like most here, I have bought/installed a fair amount of u joints but never seen this, what might be the purpose? An aid in packaging, ease of installation? It appears this piece could be popped off with a flat blade screwdriver. Probably a dumb question but I just had to ask. Thanks

Keeps the caps from falling off before and during installation.
Bill

Shoebox · 02-23-2022, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbrocksr

Keeps the caps from falling off before and during installation.
Bill

Bill, I believe you are correct. Thanks.

rotorwrench · 02-24-2022, 01:17 PM

A person can cut them off if they want to disassemble the caps. Most of the Fold ford U-joints didn't have them.

GB SISSON · 02-24-2022, 10:04 PM

I would estimate that half of the u joints I have installed in the gravel driveway have had a cap fall off. Then I have to take the other side off to count how many needles I have to find before I clean and re-lube. Happened two weeks ago on my gritty shop floor.

02-23-2022, 08:50 AM	#1
Shoebox Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Holmen,Wisconsin Posts: 983	Universal joint question So I picked up new u joints for my '51 Tudor, a task more difficult than I expected, mainly because I wanted either Moog or Spicer. Anyhow the rear u joint (a Spicer) has a small flat "tie bar" seemingly tacked on from one cap to the other, this is for the caps that bolt to the diff, part # 5-2031X. Like most here, I have bought/installed a fair amount of u joints but never seen this, what might be the purpose? An aid in packaging, ease of installation? It appears this piece could be popped off with a flat blade screwdriver. Probably a dumb question but I just had to ask. Thanks __________________ I went, I saw, I bought the T shirt 51 Ford Deluxe Tudor 32 Ford roadster 39 Mercury Towncar

02-23-2022, 09:37 AM	#2
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,604	Re: Universal joint question Sounds like its a "safety tie" that prevents bolts from turning and coming loose. Does it have tabs that bend up against the bolt heads to prevent them from turning?

02-24-2022, 01:17 PM	#8
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 17,410	Re: Universal joint question A person can cut them off if they want to disassemble the caps. Most of the Fold ford U-joints didn't have them.

02-24-2022, 10:04 PM	#9
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 5,881	Re: Universal joint question I would estimate that half of the u joints I have installed in the gravel driveway have had a cap fall off. Then I have to take the other side off to count how many needles I have to find before I clean and re-lube. Happened two weeks ago on my gritty shop floor. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1946 Tonner Pickup with 226 H six, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, now wearing 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)