Attaching Steering U Joints

[AMiller]

Picked up a 9/16 spline to 3/4 round shaft U joint and a 1 DD to 3/4 round U joint for my steering shaft. Also have the 3/4 shaft. The directions do not recommend welding for several reasons but they dont tell you what is recommended. The DD side and 9/16 side are pre drilled and taped for pinch bolts but nothing on the 3/4 sides.

Any suggestions from your experiences?

I can take the joints apart and weld them to the smooth shaft. The welding is not an issue.

If you did not weld the joints could you drill and through bolt the shaft? Just want to do whats best.

Thanks,
Aaron

[Rick Parker]

Are you too far commited to change the smooth bore to a splined shaft. You could take and have the existing shaft splined and exchange the joint for one that is splined also. Much better than a through bolt.

[J Persons]

Flaming River has splined and DD U joints threaded for set screws. I used one on my FFR to join a Chevy type splined steering shaft to the DD section shaft. John

[AMiller]

I already have the parts and really dont want to send them back. If I had been thinking I would have used a DD shaft but I didnt.

I actually have Flaming River stainless joints. They are already drilled and taped on the spline side and DD side. That does nothing for me other than keeps them from falling off. The joints cant spin or slide on the splines or DD shaft.

Has anyone just taken the U joint apart so the bearings dont get any heat and then weld the smooth shaft to the joint itself? It would seem that then the joint could be reassembled and things would be fine.

[J Persons]

As per Flaming River, I don't think I would try welding the U joint. Mine have been on for almost three years now secured with the set screws and lock tite, and I've never had a problem with them. I did drill the shafts to give the set screws a place to seat though. Here's a page from FR on tech tips.
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[Rick Parker]

They are suggesting that you do not weld it for good reason. We are giving you real world suggestions. The welding around the perimeter, concentrates the heat and work hardens the shaft at the weld and changes the makeup of the steel, making it brittle. This is why they suggest alternate means. Splining your existing shaft or macining it to a double "D" configuration are your best bets.
Call the tech people at the manufacturer and ask their recomendations.

[AMiller]

Thanks Guys.