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Old 08-05-2019, 03:43 PM   #1
western77
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Default Bob Drakes universal joint

Any feed back on Bobs needle bearing universal joint. Good, bad?
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Old 08-06-2019, 06:44 AM   #2
Bill Z
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Default Re: Bob Drakes universal joint

Yes, I too would be interested in anybody’s experience or opinions of this universal joint!
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Old 08-06-2019, 06:55 AM   #3
ryanheacox
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Default Re: Bob Drakes universal joint

I’ve heard from a few people that it’s the best way to go but I have no personal experience with them. Heard that the day after I got a good original from Bert’s.
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Old 08-06-2019, 07:03 AM   #4
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Default Re: Bob Drakes universal joint

This would appear to be the Dana-Spicer U-joint of recent shortage. Drake bills it as "Lincoln - but fits" and a perfect replacement for the original bushed Model A two yoke/cross version.

The Dana-Spicer version goes into and out of production depending on the vagaries of the Model A market - and the willingness of the suppliers to keep stock on hand. One imagines D-S waits until a "backlog" of orders accumulates and then produces the heck out of it - while raising prices. Hey-free enterprise at its finest. (and a sure way to invite competition.)

I would be curious to know his sourcing. And if the current crop of "replacement" cup bearing/spring-rings will fit.




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Last edited by Joe K; 08-06-2019 at 07:09 AM.
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Old 08-06-2019, 05:08 PM   #5
john in illinois
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Default Re: Bob Drakes universal joint

I do not care for them in a torque tube rear end.

Here is a discussion. Model A takes same u joint as V8.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...niversal+joint

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Old 08-06-2019, 06:22 PM   #6
rotorwrench
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Default Re: Bob Drakes universal joint

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Needle bearing do better with grease purging type lubrication. Unfortunately, that is not exactly the way Ford designed them. Getting dipped in soda soap mixed with gear oil doesn't permeate the bearing well. John Deere corn header gearbox grease likely wouldn't be a lot better. The bushing types actually do better than needle types is a lubricant bath type of situation. Lincolns had a longer tail shaft when the needle type came into use and that may have had some advantage to the stress level of the u-joint in them but I don't know with any certainty why the Lincoln cars changed over.
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Old 08-06-2019, 08:41 PM   #7
31 Vicky
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Default Re: Bob Drakes universal joint

I am using a Drake needle bearing universal joint, seems to be performing well. It uses sealed needle bearings, only the spline and torque tube mount need occasional grease. About 15000 miles or so.

A's Always Dave

Last edited by 31 Vicky; 08-06-2019 at 08:48 PM.
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Old 08-07-2019, 08:49 AM   #8
jak
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Default Re: Bob Drakes universal joint

they have been a crap shoot for us. Sometimes they fit fine and bolt on like they should other times there is an issue where you cannot tighten the U-Joint onto the Main shaft.
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