pinto flex shaft problems?

I have been using a pinto flex shaft in my 39 chev for many years,and have never heard of any problems. I also installed one in a 48 ford coupe about 10 years ago ,its still in one piece.Is this just another"urban Legend" or is there a problem.I assumed Ford dropped them because it was far cheaper to use a solid shaft with a joint.

 

I had one fray and fail about 25 years ago. The problem wasn't visible because of the rubber boot on the flex shaft. I used one again but removed to boot and put some light oil on the shaft. I sold the car a couple years later and it was still okay.

I wouldn't use one today since good u-joints are readily available.

Charlie

 

I saw a roadster several years ago with a similar shaft but much heavier duty than a pinto (about 2.5 x's the diameter) and thought it was pretty cool.The guy said it was a modified helicopter part of some kind.Looked tuff enuff to roll over a house.
I've been wanting to attach a rack and pinion set up directly to a sraight axle and was thinkin' that type of setup might work well for that.
T.OUT

 

they rust from the inside out....

if i found a NEW one, i'd use it but i'd be afraid of a used one if it's from the salt belt or along the coast's...

 

Replace it----the VW- sand buggy places have the same quality steering U-joints as street rod suppliers ,only instead of costing 69 dollars they charge 27 dollars....look on eBay they sell em there.....

 

Thanks for the info. Its about time for the snow to fly around here,so I'll put replacing that shaft on my winter project list.