Interesting Universal Joint

[Ronnieroadster]

Recently acquired some 39 Ford transmissions found the U-joint on one of them was not the usual cross with bushings this one has needle bearings.
Ronnieroadster

[DavidG]

Lincoln Zephyr.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Lincoln Zephyr.

And their reputation for longevity leaves a lot to be desired. Coop/AMERICAN

.

[deuce lover]

Its a goodie and Drake at one time was reproducing them.

[Tim Ayers]

They are reportedly stronger that Ford since they have needle bearings, but I've read they don't like to be in a car with a rake. They do best with a car that sits stock or level. Not sure why or how true that is, but that's what I've read.

[PeteVS]

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A needle bearing U joint has little tiny contact patches. Constant heavy loading with very little movement causes destructive forces in those contact areas. But, if there's a large angle between the two rotating shafts, the needles will roll, spreading those destructive forces over a much wider area. Conversely, the standard "Ford" U joint has large contact areas so that the destructive forces are spread out over that area so that damage by loading is minimized. But, if there's a large angle between the shafts, friction and its wear will be greater.
In conclusion, if there's a significant angle between the shafts, the needle bearing is preferred. If the shaft angle is minimized, as on our beloved Fords, the plain bearing is better.

[Mart]

I think there is a secondary consideration with the ford type. It is able to slide in both directions which would cater for any slight misalignment in the clamshell area.
Ronnie, tell me, does the LZ needle roller one have any side to side movement, or is it fixed like a "normal" needle roller UJ?

[Ken/Alabama]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

Its a goodie and Drake at one time was reproducing them.

Never removed one that wasn’t worn out. The repop ones are junk. They will trash your transmission because they don’t pull up tight against the rear output bearing and will let the main shaft walk and trash the brass syncro rings. Been there done it.

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by Mart

I think there is a secondary consideration with the ford type. It is able to slide in both directions which would cater for any slight misalignment in the clamshell area.
Ronnie, tell me, does the LZ needle roller one have any side to side movement, or is it fixed like a "normal" needle roller UJ?

Hi Mart The U joint has side to side movement just like the Ford this U joint is a USA original made by Spicer its not one of the off shore Drake items. Its in perfect condition I doubt it would fail in any application and actually a number of member's have contacted me to point out its the preferred U joint for a race car or Hot Rod application. Just not a common item to find it seems.
Ronnieroadster

[GaryU.]

Sold one on the auction site for $90.00 last year. It seemed in great condition as well as the gears from the '41 Lincoln transmission which went to the same buyer. Still have the Lincoln case if somebody's looking for one as well as the side cover. Recognized that it was different right away and through a google search figured out what it was. Spicer was visible on the joint. Better than a standard Ford? No idea.

[Pete]

I put one in my Bonneville car one year and went 10 mph faster...