Universal Jont Conversion

[rswhitmore]

Looking for information on converting to modern style universal joints (Spicer?) from whatever Willys used in the early 50's. I have a driveline vibration that I am pretty sure is associated with the original 'joints'.

I have heard there is a conversion kit made to switch the joints to a more conventional universal joint. Anyone have any information on where to buy the kit. and (or) any experience with it?

Thanks, Bob

 

[peashooter]

Try willysamerica.com. I bought their replacement for the Jeepster drive shaft.

 

[diggerG]

The hardest part to get is the Spicer Yoke for the trans. You probably have the Warner T96, right? I just sold a set to a Jeepster guy. 2 Spicer ends and 2 yokes and you can make a driveshaft up because your needed length is probably unique.
diggerG

 

[pav1]

The hardest part to get is the Spicer Yoke for the trans. You probably have the Warner T96, right? I just sold a set to a Jeepster guy. 2 Spicer ends and 2 yokes and you can make a driveshaft up because your needed length is probably unique.
diggerG

looks like Willys America has them

Willys America Transmission Yoke for Willys Overland Vehicles

Willys America Transmission Yoke for Willys Overland Vehicles

shop.willysamerica.com

 

[diggerG]

Actually the Warner trans (Spicer) yoke is different from the Spicer rear to Spicer Ujoint.
diggerG

 

[pav1]

Actually the Warner trans (Spicer) yoke is different from the Spicer rear to Spicer Ujoint.
diggerG

sorry but I am confused. Specifically what yoke are you referring to? I thought you meant the one on the transmission.

 

[Rastus]

Looking for information on converting to modern style universal joints (Spicer?) from whatever Willys used in the early 50's. I have a driveline vibration that I am pretty sure is associated with the original 'joints'.

I have heard there is a conversion kit made to switch the joints to a more conventional universal joint. Anyone have any information on where to buy the kit. and (or) any experience with it?

Thanks, Bob

Diagnose first would be my recommendation.
This can primarily done while the driveshaft is still on the vehicle by feel.
If the shaft is removed it is much easier ~ there should be no movement in the cross in unworn UJ's & no roughness when rotating the UJ's through all possible arc's of movement.
Then one would perhaps start spending money.

 

[diggerG]

sorry but I am confused. Specifically what yoke are you referring to? I thought you meant the one on the transmission.

Read my post again. you seem to be correct. the Warner (Trans) yoke to Spicer Ujoint looks the same but is not, as the Spicer rear axle to Spicer UJoint yoke. If you have both driveshaft ends with that slip joint and want the 2 of the Spicer cross shaft Ujoints you need 2 different yokes. the 2 are not the same although they look the same. I just went through this for a Jeepster customer. I assume the Jeepster will have the same drive line components as the Willys Aero. Spicer rear and Warner trans.
diggerG

 

[MarkH]

I converted my Aero. Here's the drive shaft part numbers for cross U-joints. There was no cross joint yoke with a flange that matches the factory Aero flanges, but there are cross yokes that matched the trans & differential. Once installed, the new shaft length was measured. All Spicer part numbers.
Transmission yoke 2-4-3701-1
Differential yoke 2-4-2821-1X
Slip yoke 2-3-8021KX
Slip tube shaft 2-40-2231
Tube yoke 2-28-437
Tubing 24-30-42-10800-IN (cut to 43in)
U-joints 5-153X (x2)
Bearing strap kit 2-70-18X (x2)

 

[Lookout Ranch]

Interesting, the old driveline appears to have ball and trunnion joints. My first car, a ‘64 Plymouth Valiant, had one of those.

 

[MarkH]

Yes, Mopar guys have the same issues, parts availability & finding someone that can do vibration free work. Seems a lot of Mopar guys convert to cross joints, but the shop that did my work was rebuilding a Mopar shaft with NOS trunnion parts they had.
My trunnions were still good but the rubber boots were stiff & cracked, so I decided to convert to a common U-joint while all the parts were still available.

 

[pav1]

Thank you sooooooo much for posting this!!!

I am going to swap out my rear axle and needed to convert the driveshaft to regular u joints and you just made my life a whole lot easier.

Thank you

 

[MarkH]

Keep in mind these flanges are for an Aero. Can't say they'd fit another Willys unless it has the same trans & diff. The key for me was bringing my OEM trans & diff flanges into a dedicated driveshaft shop. They guy measured every aspect, then flipped through a Spicer book as big as a family bible to find yoke type matches. The new diff yoke even has the same dust cup/slinger that the OEM flange type had. Once he had those yokes (easy to find), everything else was common parts. They built & balanced.....runs smooth.

 

[pav1]

Yup for an Aero but it gives me a beautiful starting point.

 

[pav1]

Mark, when you did the conversion, was your transmission a manual with overdrive?

 

[MarkH]

It's a stock T-96 with overdrive.

 

[PTV]

Some of the Packard cars used the ball and trunnion joint also....