Listers:
I did finally get my UJoints replaced, but it wasn't easy. A
1-1/8" brake cylinder hone was essential to remove the galling in the
yokes. A bit of motor oil, and using a gear puller to press them in was
the final trick. Just not enough pressure available with my vise (broke
my craftsman vise, had to buy a new one!). Anyway, they look nice
sitting there on the bench, ready to be installed.
I have another tale of fear and loathing to relate, however.
I started on the rebuild of my hubs, and like so many people on
the list had extreme issues getting the stub axle separated from the
hub. I visited my LBC mechanic, and he let me borrow his shop press, and
dispensed advice.
I loosened the 2" nuts securing the stub axle, added PB blaster
and heated generously with a torch. Then placed the hub in a special
fixture that looks like a big machine collar. It clamps the hub
securely. I put in the press, and well, let's just say that several
parts of my car are now suitable only for the scrap bin. My mechanic
friend said they were the most stubborn hubs he had seen. He also said
that he didn't know his press could go that high.
On one hub, the pressure was well over twenty tons, and the tip
of the stub axle was shaped like a fat mushroom before it broke loose
with a loud bang. Scrap one stub axle. Sigh. Flange was bent too.
The second one, the pressure was considerably less (10 tons?) so
the stub axle survived. The flange, however, bent like it was made of
pot metal, and this was with a special fixture to support the hub. Given
the warped shape of the flange, I wonder if the gauge on his press was
accurate. It is rated to 110,000 lbs, and we were reefing on it pretty
hard towards the end.
So, boys and girls, do not try this at home. Even with special
tools and know-how, they are tough little SOBs.
Also, got the tub back from the paint shop. Looks nice, and the
paint looks like it is still wet. There are a couple of thin spots on
the inside of the tub on the drivers kick panel and rocker panel, all of
which will be covered by carpet. It looks really great! All the dents
are gone, and the extra holes put in the tub by my DPO have been welded
and filled. Now to get the frame finished off (and get the parts for my
hubs!)
Cheers,
Vance
(Freshly painted mimosa yellow '74-1/2)
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-6pack@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-6pack@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of steve j daniels
Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2005 2:44 AM
To: 6pack@autox.team.net
Subject: rear u-joints
I'm glad to hear that some one told the store about
how hard it is to replace the rear universal joints
on the half shafts of a TR-6, It is very....hard,
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