78 2+2 driveshaft u joints

[One Way]

Progress slowly continues on our resurrection project.  The driveshaft is now removed and I would like to replace the u-joints.  40+ year old car that has not been on the road for over 20 years.  The joints are staked in and the repair manual says entire propeller shaft must be changed.  I have found 2 different catalog listings for u joints with different cap diameters, one of which comes with no hardware, clips-the other comes with clips.  I have not yet accurately measured the existing u joints for size yet but looking for some input from the more experienced Z experts here.  The Spicer brand u joints for the drive axles installed perfectly, just hoping to be able to do the same for the driveshaft.  I have also seen a listing for a center support bearing on the driveshaft but it does not appear there was ever one on this car, but there does appear to be a place to mount one at the front.  Thanks in advance for the help.  Just hate the idea of having 40 year old, I am sure deteriorated grease and u joints , in an otherwise good, undented driveshaft. Thanks, John-Lugoff, SC.

[Yarb]

Hey John, I was looking to have my shaft refurbished as well. Took it to a driveshaft specialist here in town and was told they could not replace the u-joints. Half shafts yes but not the drive shaft. They built a new one for me. Ended up  being around $350. It’s a stouter shaft than the original. Someone on the forum mentioned ZCD had u-joints but were  only available through the 77 model.

[One Way]

The axle shafts came out beautifully with media blasting, epoxy paint, and new Spicer U joints.  The u joint removal was a bit tough but after everything was cleaned. polished and painted the assembly went very well with my small hand arbor press and correct size socket to press the caps into the yokes.  I was hoping to do the same with the driveshaft.  The cost of 2 u joints and some labor time is way more in line with the limited budget resurrection than a whole new shaft  I will try to do some more research for correct size u joints.  Internal clips at the correct width would be ideal or possibly having some grooves cut in the yokes to accommodate external clips.  I am not aware of any driveshaft specialty shops in our area but may have to do some research into that as well.  Thanks again, John-Lugoff, SC.

[Zed Head]

The propeller shaft u-joints are "staked" in.  They don't have the clips like the early Z shafts did.  Nissan made the change in 74 or 75.  There are shops that know how to get them out and convert them to clipped u-joints.  But you have to find the shop.  Or you can source a 240Z shaft.

[One Way]

Some research found that Rockford Drive Lines 815-962-1411-has developed a whole series of u joints for the many vehicles that have staked in, "non serviceable" driveshafts.  They have a very informative website, but the installation instructions are a bit generic in nature.  According to the specifications as well as the vehicle application chart found on their site, the staked in Z models can be replaced with #430-10 which includes the inner retainer clips and the grease zerk that is installed in one of the caps.  The specs are listed in standard sizes.  .867 cap size which is 22mm and the lock up dimension of 1.4.  Measuring my joints and yokes reveals an exact match.  I will keep you posted on the progress which will be slow.  My wife is having major surgery-spinal fusion-next week, and that obviously will be my top priority along with my job in the coming weeks.  We are just trusting the LORD for the whole outcome and recovery.  Hope this info may be a help to some others with an actual part number and reputable supplier.  Thanks, John-Lugoff, SC.

[One Way]

Thank the LORD my wife is home and semi functional from the spinal fusion surgery.  I was able to wander out to the shop and got the front staked in u joint removed.  Used the Dremel tool to grind off the stakes the best I could followed with some heat and some pretty aggressive pounding with a proper sized socket.  I was not able to remove either cap but got one side as far out as possible and then carefully cut the exposed cross with the die grinder.  Followed the same cutting procedure to remove the cross from the slip yoke.  The caps easily pressed inward with minimal pressure.  Touched up the stake points with the Dremel and polished the yoke surfaces with sanding barrel.  I may run the brake cylinder hone through them later.  I will be ordering the joints from Rockford Drive Lines very soon.  Thanks, John-Lugoff, SC.

[One Way]

The Rockford Driveline #430-10 staked in u joint replacements have been ordered.  Very pleasant and helpful on our phone call this morning.  The online order process kept locking up here on our computer and the phone call order actually put the pricing a couple of dollars less than the online price.  Will keep you posted on the progress.  Also looking for suggestions on the best paint and color for the driveshaft.  The axle shafts came out real nice with the chassis epoxy satin black VHT #SP671. I was thinking more towards an aluminum color for the driveshaft but have not located any epoxy paints that color.  The engine ceramic aluminum paint I have been using on other parts and brackets also sprays on nicely but it probably is not as durable as the epoxy spray.  Thanks again, John-Lugoff, SC.

[One Way]

Very successful u-joint install on the transmission yoke with the ROCKFORD #430-10 kit.  Pressed in beautifully with my small hand arbor press.  The only tricky part is rotating the clips so that you have the maximum contact between the yoke and the clip.  Some patience and very gentle persuasion seemed to work well with that process.  I will now proceed with removing the differential end u-joint from the shaft, clean the yoke cap surfaces, then finish cleaning, priming, and finish coating the driveshaft, before installing both joints.  I did not want to waste the time removing the other end until I was confident the new joints would work on the " NON-SERVICEABLE" driveshaft.  I will keep you updated as the slow progress continues.  Thanks, John-Lugoff, SC,

[One Way]

U-joint #2 installed smoothly and seems to pivot very nicely in the differential end yoke.  Next project is to install the 2 end yokes to the driveshaft tube  yokes.  I may have to build some type of jig to hold the tube while I press in the other caps with my small arbor press or find a very patient helper to securely hold on to the tube.  I will keep you all updated and will try to have my wife post some pictures of the finished driveshaft.  Thanks, John-Lugoff, SC.

[Zed Head]

Might need balancing.  You're working in parallel with a similar project.

 

[One Way]

Just a helpful tip for installing the ROCKFORD U joints.  Slightly chamfer the ends of the clips.  This makes it much easier to rotate the clips around the caps so that the majority of the clip is flush with the flat portions of the yokes.  The process is a bit tedious cleaning off the stakes on the yokes and then getting the clips to rotate around the caps, but it has been an enjoyable project.  I would definitely recommend the ROCKFORD u joints as a repair option on these "NON-SERVICABLE" propeller shafts-using the DATSUN terminology there-I still find myself calling it a driveshaft.  Thanks, John-Lugoff, SC.