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Check your u-joint bolts ....

Matt Bachand

Matt Bachand

Depends on the 6.5
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Location
Worcester, MA
After replacing a u-bolt in the front dshaft I had the ratchet all set up (7/16's w/12' extension) and went to the rear dshaft to grease her up and inspect, I double checked all the bolts since I had the ratchet all set up.

Almost all of them were very easy to tighten, including 2 on the rear pumpkin ubolt that were finger loose!!!!

Just a reminder to others to retorque these, before it leaves you stranded.
 
If they were that loose you should replace the bolts and straps. This is a known weak point in GM's drivelines is the silly straps that they used. They are known to stretch and work there way loose over time, and also GM doesn't reccomend re-using them if they are ever removed.
 
THEFERMANATOR said:
If they were that loose you should replace the bolts and straps. This is a known weak point in GM's drivelines is the silly straps that they used. They are known to stretch and work there way loose over time, and also GM doesn't reccomend re-using them if they are ever removed.
Click to expand...

Wow, really?? I've actually had one get loose and walk off my front a few years back. Since then I try to make sure they are tight, and sure enough the rears weren't.

Does anyone make a beefer replacement? Something nice looking would dress her up 'down there':thumbsup:

My underside of my truck is starting to look detailed... Buddy of mine crawled under there when I was tinkering and couldn't believe how clean it is... "This truck will last forever if you keep doing what you're doing." He said with envy!

"That's the Plan!" I replied.
 
THEFERMANATOR said:
If they were that loose you should replace the bolts and straps. This is a known weak point in GM's drivelines is the silly straps that they used. They are known to stretch and work there way loose over time, and also GM doesn't reccomend re-using them if they are ever removed.
Click to expand...

I'll second that. I replaced them whenever it was feasible.
 
What type of torque to I use on the replacements?

I noticed they have them in the 'help' section a few years back when I replaced mine. Anyone recommend any brands over others?

Now I'm worried, lol.
 
Matt, I'd bet the guys that rebuilt your trans didn't get them tight. Wouldn't hurt to check your bellhousing bolts also. Most of the time those straps dont give a problem.
 
Matt Bachand said:
After replacing a u-bolt in the front dshaft I had the ratchet all set up (7/16's w/12' extension) and went to the rear dshaft to grease her up and inspect, I double checked all the bolts since I had the ratchet all set up.

Almost all of them were very easy to tighten, including 2 on the rear pumpkin ubolt that were finger loose!!!!

Just a reminder to others to retorque these, before it leaves you stranded.
Click to expand...

Hey Matt, heck with the torque specs - I wanna know where you got that 12 foot extension?? :eek: :D ...sorry I couldn't resist.

Yeah, I've had some get loose on other trucks but once I re-tightened them I never had em come loose again. In almost every case it was after I had some sort of work done on the trucks that required the d-shaft to be removed.
 
THEFERMANATOR said:
Here's a bit of reading about the GM 14 bolt and it's main weakness.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/14b_bible/index.html
Click to expand...

LOL, I didn't know the 14 bolt had any weakness. Damn strongest rear I've ever seen. I used to do hole shots with 5.13 gears turning 44 hawgs with a 454. I baked em up so good one time I actually ripped the output shaft out of a NP205 Case which is unheard of. It was still attached to the driveshaft laying on the ground. Rear was original 1974. A Dana 60 would have broken the axles.
 
Odlaw said:
Hey Matt, heck with the torque specs - I wanna know where you got that 12 foot extension?? :eek: :D ...sorry I couldn't resist.

Yeah, I've had some get loose on other trucks but once I re-tightened them I never had em come loose again. In almost every case it was after I had some sort of work done on the trucks that required the d-shaft to be removed.
Click to expand...


I made it myself alright?!?!?!

:fing26:

lol
 
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