Is there anyway to tell if you have original U-Joint's in your car (besides failure) ?
Any input will be welcomed !
Thanks !

 

Yes, the end caps will have a Saginaw stylized S on them, and they will also have plastic seals on the cups.

 

I don't remember the cups having the Saginaw S on them but the body or cross tee did. They were held in with that plastic resin/epoxy stuff. That might mean no inner retainers.

Also they didn't have a zerk fitting for greasing. The aftermarket replacement often did.

 

Sounds good. I will look for both next time the car is in the air. Just took it down after new rear springs.....
I do remember no clips for retaining cups, that's what got my attention.
Thanks !

 

The O-Type axle has u-bolts/nuts instead of straps/bolts and the u-joints have inner retainers instead of outer retainers. The inner retainers can be more difficult to see.

 

Another feature of the OE rear u joint is that it has a little steel strap tack welded to it that acted as a hook to keep the loose cups from sliding off the spider before it was attached to the rear end yoke. Mine still had this, but one of the straps was so rusted it just came apart in my hand when I tried to pull the cup off.

 

Here's what it looks like, OEM style. Also note red plastic filler that needs to be burned out.


Also, U-joint retainers have the Saginaw S embossed as well.

 

Burning it out is not the only method. Back in the '70s I just pounded the caps out with a hammer and a socket. I'm sure it would be much easier with a u-joint press, but back then I was too poor for a fancy tool like that.

 

Thanks for all your feedback !