Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I'll be very interested to hear--the last old-style u-joint I saw for sale was that much, and you still had to do the job.

If conversion to the mechanics joint is chosen then be sure the u joint itself has a grease fitting in it.

The DEtroit joint (ball and trunion) is an excellent u-joint. But it has a weak spot, the rubber boot. My very low mileage and original/always garage kept and city driven by original owner 56 Exec had a tear in the boot when i bought the car 15 years ago. Replacing the boot requires complete disassembly of the joint which requires a very heavy machine shop type press. Or it did on mine. Or my 3 ton arbour press wouldn't do it (as pictured in the SM).

I like the Detroit joint, but that rubber boot is the weak spot for any road debris that mite tear it. I've seen at least 2 others over the years with tears on mid 60's Plymouths.

Quite often we here about modern day cars with front wheel drive that have torn rubber boots on the CV joints.

There is no such boots on the mechanics type joint and that is why they are often used on front axles of OFF ROAD 4wd vehicles. Off road vehicles are subject to alot of debris.

Packard showed how to replace the Detroit rubber boot without much trouble. I believe it is in one of the TSBs or SCs.

PackardV8, I think you did it the hard way. Mr. Berger is on target, I've replaced a fair number of the rubber boots on the Detroit joints without complete disassembly or removing the pin. In fact the shop manual (Propellor shaft section) tells you NOT to remove the pin. You've got to stretch the rubber a bit here and there and poke it through - a little dish detergent or silicone spray makes it easier though not required.

My memory isn't so bad after all.
packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/SC/SC-VOL26NO7.pdf

Great tip. Thanks.

I ordered the shaft. I will give an update once I have it installed.

Hi all. Just a follow up on this thread from a couple of years ago. I have just made modifications to my drive shaft for my 56 400 similar to the one proposed in this thread to replace the ball & trunnion at the front... I had a bad vibration... Thought I'd share a few photos. Great result with vibration completely gone...

Warren

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Is there a difference between the 200 series with Ultramatic and the 300/400 series?
John

The cars with 288 used a smaller u-joint.