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Topic: U-Joints on half shafts - drivers side

in Forum: C4 Engines, Driveline and Handling


U-Joints on half shafts - drivers side

Posted: 7/5/11 3:12am Message 1 of 5
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Merritt Island, FL - USA
Joined: 8/21/2010
Posts: 24
Vette(s): 96 coupe 04 coupe
I have a 96 LT-4 with 150k on it.  The car has a worsing noise that is a loud click/clunk sound when load is put on the drivetrain, either direction.  I am somwhat convinced it is the U-joints on the drivers side.  Had my son listen outside of the car and it was obvious where it came from.  No vibrtion yet but the click is getting louder.  I have changed u-joints on other cars so I know what to expect when I get it out.  Looking for advise on jacking and supporting the car and how much do I have to take off to get the half shaft out.  I plan on changing them all out - I hope for some light duty racing in my future and I want to drive it home.  Thanks all!  


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U-Joints on half shafts - drivers side

Posted: 7/5/11 3:39am Message 2 of 5
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363
Vette(s): 1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto 1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto
a shame you dont have access to a lift. it's a pain working under these cars without one. i like you have not done mine yet so i cant get into how much more is entailed than regular u-joints. as far as jacking and supporting that is about the same. good and sturdy jackstands under the frame.

let us know how you make out. 




















the dynamic duo


c3vr life member #97

U-Joints on half shafts - drivers side

Posted: 7/6/11 9:46am Message 3 of 5
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Raise and support the car at the rear jacking points on the rocker panels. Raise just enough for tires to clear. Remove tires. Put car in neutral. Unbolt u joints on both ends. You will have to spin shaft to reach all of them. Scribe a mark on the camber adjusting bolt and remove it. Remove tie rod end from knuckle. Place small jack under outside end of leaf spring and remove spring bolt. Lower spring. Twist knuckle outward at the rear and half shaft will come out. Replace u joints just like on any drive shaft. Now put it all back together. Be sure and line up marks on camber bolt. Camber bolt torques to about 160 ft lbs. Tighten spring bolt until it stops and you can put in key. There is no torque spec for it. About 1.5 hours per side for first time.


U-Joints on half shafts - drivers side

Posted: 7/6/11 1:15pm Message 4 of 5
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Joined: 11/22/2009
Posts: 60
Vette(s): 1953 1992 BLACK ON BLACK

rug:

Be carefull. The half shafts are aluminum. Use the heavy duty types if racing. Spicers are considered the prefered ones.



U-Joints on half shafts - drivers side

Posted: 7/7/11 2:02am Message 5 of 5
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Merritt Island, FL - USA
Joined: 8/21/2010
Posts: 24
Vette(s): 96 coupe 04 coupe
Great info - I got a pair of Brute Force from local store, seem OK.  Feeling more confident now about doing it this weekend.  Thanks!


in Forum: C4 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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