Allan R

I know that the torque for the prop shaft on my 72 Cutlass is spec'd at 15 ft/lbs. What I'd like to know is how many of you would put loctite 243 on the threads to keep them from coming undone.

Or, how many would just torque the 4 bolts to 15 ft/lbs and be done with it.




restored prop shaft still has Saginaw U joints and they are solid.

Fun71

I don't remember ever putting thread locker on those bolts, and they have never come loose on their own. I'm very sure I used more than 15 ft-lbs to tighten them, though. I use a short combination wrench and pull on it fairly hard.

47 Convertible

Lock washers? Most U joint kits I've seen have either lock washers or a metal clip with two bolt holes and a tabs to be bent up to keep bolt from loosening. I usually use copper never-seize on fastener threads subject to corrosion, grit etc. That said, there's no reason 243 medium holding (blue stuff) wouldn't work OK. I would have something whether mechanical or chemical to resist backing out.
Jerry

Allan R

I'm sure I put more than 15 ft/lbs too Ken, I just don't want the bolts coming loose on a drive. I thought I'd ask here first because I've never thought about this before. My concern was whether the rotational force of the shaft could cause any loosening. There's nothing in the CSM about using thread lock....

Allan R

I'm re-using all original restored parts Jerry. The U joints are still OEM and in good shape so no kit needed.