replacing Ujoint straps with ubolts?

http://www.jeepaholics.com/tech/ujointconv/ujointconv.htm

Any input on this? Basics are:

1. drill out holes where straps currently screw into
2. replace with small ubolts that go all the way through
3. ???????
4. profit

does this sound like a good idea? If so, I might try it when I install my D44, and then do my front end also.

I've heard of people doing this, my only question would be is there enough beef on the stock yoke once you drill the threaded holes out?

Give it a go, let us know what you think.

When I had my D-44 built, I had the yoke replaced wit a 'U' bolt style yoke. I thought of drilling the bolt style yoke but was concerned obout the amount of space for the nut to fit plus the wrench that will be used to tighten them. That descision was easy for me,... the old yoke had rust pitts in the area where the oil seal fit so I had to replace it anyway.

I have heard it somewhere where it was drilled to take the 'U' boles.

OR you could just go this route and be done with it forever.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=983432

You should still have enough material left - all you need to do is drill out the threads. 1/4"-28 threads, drilled out to the roots and reamed to size, will pass a 1/4" U-bolt neatly.

You'll also need to spotface the backside of the yoke, so the nuts will have a flat surface to bear against. This can be done using a counterbore with a 1/4" pilot - you're just not going to actually counterbore the hole, just make a flat spot. Choose the size of the counerbore carefully - and you're probably going to use a reduced hex nut to give yourself the room you need.

I asked my local driveline shop about this, and he showed me a u-bolt and strap yoke side by side.

They don't quite center on the cap the same way, and putting a u-bolt onto a strap yoke can crush the needle bearings in the u-joint.

cal said:

I asked my local driveline shop about this, and he showed me a u-bolt and strap yoke side by side.

They don't quite center on the cap the same way, and putting a u-bolt onto a strap yoke can crush the needle bearings in the u-joint.

Click to expand...

thats why I still have straps. im sure that works for some but im not taking chances

xj_mike said:

OR you could just go this route and be done with it forever.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=983432

Click to expand...

This just may be the way I go with it then. I'd forgotten about these...