U Joint Housing

[Mulletwagon]

Getting ready to reinstall the rear axle but feel intimidated by that erector set U Joint housing. Between the main shell, retention halves, gaskets, felt strips, and FAM bracket, there must be a proper assembly procedure to minimize the possibility of grease/oil leaks. Welcome any recommendations.

[Tom Endy]

Before you install the rear axle assembly make sure that the U-joint housing bolt pattern matches the bolt pattern of the rear bearing retainer on the transmission. There is an early and a late. The early configuration has the bolt pattern non-symmetrical, the later is symmetrical. It doesn't matter which you have as long as all four components have the same bolt pattern. Henry Ford purposely did this to confuse and confound the next 100 years of Model A enthusiast.

The modern day gasket set has two of the holes slotted to accommodate both.

Tom Endy

[Mulletwagon]

Originally Posted by Tom Endy

Before you install the rear axle assembly make sure that the U-joint housing bolt pattern matches the bolt pattern of the rear bearing retainer on the transmission. There is an early and a late. The early configuration has the bolt pattern non-symmetrical, the later is symmetrical. It doesn't matter which you have as long as all four components have the same bolt pattern. Henry Ford purposely did this to confuse and confound the next 100 years of Model A enthusiast.

The modern day gasket set has two of the holes slotted to accommodate both.

Tom Endy

Thanks Tom. My bolt holes are symmetrical but that explains the two oblong holes in the gaskets.

[whirnot]

I use permatex gasket sealer on this. I put the gasket on both sides of the inner cup, and let it dry overnight, that way the gasket won't move. Then, put sealer on the back of the transmission and install the cup and hold it in place with two bolts, one on each side, with the nut towards the rear. The rear end can now be moved into position, the drive line inserted, and moved forward as much as possible. Remove the two bolts, and finish sliding the rear end in place. Put sealer on the bottom clam shell half, and install it. At this time I pump the cavity full of grease, you will see it come out the inner cup holes.
Sealer on the top clam shell half, and install it as well. Tighten all the clam shell bolts, then install the FAM .
Just my method, but it works for me. Just did it a couple weeks ago installing a Mitchel OD.

[Mulletwagon]

Originally Posted by whirnot

I use permatex gasket sealer on this. I put the gasket on both sides of the inner cup, and let it dry overnight, that way the gasket won't move. Then, put sealer on the back of the transmission and install the cup and hold it in place with two bolts, one on each side, with the nut towards the rear. The rear end can now be moved into position, the drive line inserted, and moved forward as much as possible. Remove the two bolts, and finish sliding the rear end in place. Put sealer on the bottom clam shell half, and install it. At this time I pump the cavity full of grease, you will see it come out the inner cup holes.
Sealer on the top clam shell half, and install it as well. Tighten all the clam shell bolts, then install the FAM .
Just my method, but it works for me. Just did it a couple weeks ago installing a Mitchel OD.

This procedure seems like the way to go. Especially like the pre-pasting of gaskets with Permatex to glue them in place !

Noticed the inner cup has two lateral holes, probably to support lubrication. Should those holes be oriented left and right, or up and down ? Thinking up and down would support lubrication to the upper junction of the torque tube flare and cup. Watcha think ?

[macdonge]

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FAM bracket?? Forgive my ignorance but what is that? Thx

[Mulletwagon]

Originally Posted by macdonge

FAM bracket?? Forgive my ignorance but what is that? Thx

That is part of the Float A Motor kit that consists of a bracket that attaches to the U Joint housing and perches on the crossmember above it.

[macdonge]

Got it. Thanks Mulletwagon. I don't use a FAM so it didn't click right away!

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by Mulletwagon

This procedure seems like the way to go. Especially like the pre-pasting of gaskets with Permatex to glue them in place !

Noticed the inner cup has two lateral holes, probably to support lubrication. Should those holes be oriented left and right, or up and down ? Thinking up and down would support lubrication to the upper junction of the torque tube flare and cup. Watcha think ?

Mine are oriented left and right. With a non symmetrical pattern, it the only way it fits. I make sure to put enough grease in thereb to come out these holes.

[Mulletwagon]

Originally Posted by whirnot

Mine are oriented left and right. With a non symmetrical pattern, it the only way it fits. I make sure to put enough grease in thereb to come out these holes.

Thanks Bill, that solves the mystery. I'll install with holes left and right.