can i replace the u-joints on my 78 280z.

the manuals say no, but I just replaced one on one of the half shafts with no problem at all. thing is there is another bad one on the drive shaft (propeller shaft). do I need to replace the whole thing???

P.S. I have a 5 speed.

Edited September 22, 200816 yr by grantf

All 280Zs came stock with non-replacable u joints on the driveshaft. You'll have to replace the whole thing. You can use a 240-260 driveshaft so that, in the future, you would be able to just replace the u joints if need be.

Just make sure that you don't get a driveshaft from a '70 or '71, as they are about an inch shorter than all other US market S30s.

thanks for the info, but just to make sure, will a 240 or 260 shaft fit a 78 5 speed tranny. I did call around and there is a place in georgetown (Seattle) called drive-line northwest, they said they specialize in non serviceable shafts for BMW, Mercedes, and all other imports, they said they might be able to service it (cost $30 (u-joint)+ $15.50(service) & balancing. I know of two people who have used them and say they do good work. Any thoughts?

sorry I forgot to mention, this site RULLES!!

1.) Yes, the '72-74 240/260Z driveshaft is fine with a 5 speed.

2.) If the driveline shop says they can do it, they're probably right. Worth taking it in and having them look at it in person, definitely.

3.) Yes, this site does RULE!

If the driveline shop says they can do it, they're probably right. Worth taking it in and having them look at it in person, definitely.

I didn't mention that option since I thought it would be more costly than just buying a used 72-74 S30 driveshaft. I actually had Inland Empire Driveline build me a driveshaft for my 78 about 10 yrs ago. It has serviceable u joints but is a bit on the costly side compared to a stock driveshaft.

sblake01 thanks, the older drive shaft is still an option.I did not consider it a possibility tell you mentioned it. so my options are the drive line shop or an older drive shaft if I can find one near me soon.