Steering U Joint Questions??

I am setting up the steering system on my A coupe and I have run into a problem. I built my own column (58 caddy shaft in a 1.5" pipe so I could use the 58 caddy wheel), the bottom of the column is 3/4 DD. I attached a flamming river 3/4 DD joint to the column (part number FR2716DD) and this attaches to a section of 3/4 DD shaft. The problem is the joint that attaches to the steering box (part number FR2522DD) is out of phase with the joint on the column. The joints are 90 degrees out of phase. Is there another joint that should be used instead of the one I have? The steering box is Vega (5/8 - 36 spline).
Thanks

 

are both u-joints from flaming river? if so , they should be in phase...that's what the DD shaft is supposed to do. pictures?

 

Yes, both joints are from flamming river. I will try to get a picture.

 

Here it is.

 

Try swaping the joint on the right end for end?

Ed

 

It looks like you can turn the double d joint on the colum end.

Later, Mark

 

Tried that, same result.

 

looks like on the right joint the flats are lined up with the joint ends and on the left they are perpendicular, i say you need one new joint.

 

It is my understanding that 90 degrees out is fine. It's when you are other than 90 or straight that you have problems. My coupe is 90 degrees out like yours and no problems, so is the '41 truck. Think about it, it's not turning 5000rpm like your drive shaft.

 

Maybe this is stupid, but can you heat the long DD shaft in about the middle and twist it 90 degrees to phase the joints?

 

straight on or 90 degrees is fine....the joints are inline with each other...that's what is critical...

 

I looked on the Borgeson web site and they have a picture of some joints out 90 degrees and they say it is wrong. The confusing thing is that flamming river does not list a different joint with 3/4DD and 5/8 36.

 

I've seen joints like this and they seem to work fine, saying that though i prefer to see them in phase.

 

Is anyone using flamming river joints in a two joint set up with the joints in phase?

 

Just get some 3/4 round shaft and grind the double d ends opposite of each other.

 

Your kidding aren't you?

 

wtf

 

Nothing wrong with the joints as is in the pic...As previously stated you never gonna turn them that fast to ever notice anything, even if the angles are extreme..No one will ever notice...

 

As long as the cross pins are "aligned", they are in phase....
The pics tell the story, you are good to go !
Dave

 

Looks like there are two set screws 90 deg. apart on the left side joint. How about if you just loosen them two screws & rotate that joint 90 deg. on your DD shaft.

 

Hi, I work in the Tech/Sales Dept at Flaming River. You have 2 different series of joints after looking again. ( I posted a differnt reply earlier). You need part number FR2516DD for that column joint. I would return the FR2716 to who you purchased it from for an exchange. I believe it may be either old stock or just machined differently for some reason which is odd. Make sure it has Flaming River engraved in it too. There are china knock offs now also. If I can help call me at 800-648-8022 ext 113. Micky

 

Nice to get some input from one of the folks at Flaming River, Kudos!

 

Thanks Micky, would the FR2722DD work instead on the vega box? I like the pinch block design of the joint on the column, it looks like it could never come off.

 

I'd have to look it up and even see what sizes we offer it in. The pinch joints are not that popular to be honest, mostly because they are so bulky. Most people just do the standard 25 or 17 series joints. The way it is set up will work as others have mentioned, not totally correct, but not going to hurt anything either.

 

Thanks Micky, I sent you a PM with some more questions.

 

I accidently did mine out of phase and in spite of what has been said, you can feel a subtle loose spot and a tight spot as you turn. Bugs me enough that I'm going to spend the time & $ to do it over, and my joints are welded on so I have to buy 2 new ones.

Fix it right.

 

If they are our joints we reccommend that you dont weld them, that can also cause the loose and tight spots as it can mess up the needle bearings.

 

Nope- not yours.
Sorry if it sounded like that. They were weld-on joints though.

 

I would like to see thay done It would be a good trick

 

not maybe stupid ,it is one of the most stupid questions ever asked......please tuen in your membership as you are banned from this site. You now will only be allowed on sports car/rat rod sites...............