Installing U-Joints in an Al Driveshaft

[phutch11]

Anyone installed a u-joint in an aluminum driveshaft? I've done a million in steel shafts, but I just got an aluminum one and i'm a little gun shy.

The instructions say to use an oxy/act torch to heat up the yokes to allow you to slide the bearing cups in. I tried that, but knowing just how much heat is a tough call - definitely I don't want to melt the yokes.

Normally I'd press the u-joint in with my vise, but again, I'm a little worried about f-ing up the driveshaft.

Google turned up nothing.

Anyone got some experience here?

And yes, I know about the specail u-joints needed.

Thanks,

 

[chris66dad]

I bought a new aluminum DS from street or track and it had a sticker on it that said to heat it to install the U joint. I took it to my local drive shaft shop to install the 1310-1330 Ujoint because I did not want to mess it up. The guy in the shop laughed at me and said he never used heat and he has been doing it for 20 years. A little WD40 and he pressed it right in place in a couple of minutes. I supplied the U joint and he charged me 5 bucks to do it.

Good Luck and BE Safe
Ron

 

[phutch11]

Thanks, I've got the same shaft.

I'll just press away.

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[TurboDoctor]

Cut you a wood shim to keep between the ears are press the caps in. Just like stated above. use a little lube and you should be able to feel if its going smooth or not.