Dist. U-joint

[8270 pinspotter]

I have been having a problem with a machine breaking the U-joint that is on the Distributor drive shaft. This has happend three times in the last two weeks. I don't think I am putting them on wrong because I think they only go on one way. These are from Vantage, so could it just be bad parts? Or, does something need adjusted that would cause this to happen. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[Mreessr]

Re: Dist. U-joint

If the u-joints that are breaking are the plastic ones you shoud send them back. I prefer the apex.Costs a little more but they last.I have had problems in the past with vantage parts not fitting correctly.I actually had a front segment that had the holes drilled out for the right hand machine and it was a left hand part.Another thought would be to make sure your not getting pins over the pan and jamming between the pin wheel and the shaft.

[jim k]

Re: Dist. U-joint

go with the apex universel joint, vantage one doesn't last long.

[Guest]

Re: Dist. U-joint

The hole in the vantage U-joint isn't drilled in the center, causing them to break constantly. Planned obsolescence is manufactured into all vantage parts. Their start switch plates break all the time too.I've replaced countless Vantage parts. Stay with those Apex joints and AMF for everything else.

[GPS]

Re: Dist. U-joint

If you guys want to try a different style u joint try one from stahl's sevevty. Call D C Bowling in Bellville Mi. ( check yellow pages ) Tell him Mike from Mayflower told you. (you just might get one free to try out )

[bowlingpinman]

Re: Dist. U-joint

apex is only u joint any good even then check them before using to make sure there smooth vantage suck only use apex pay the extra cost

[Coors]

Re: Dist. U-joint

I'm sure im in the minority, but i prefer genuine AMF U-joints over most others. Apex dont seem to have the smooth operation at the 4 - 7 area that the AMF joints do. Just my $.02

[bowlingpinman]

Re: Dist. U-joint

havent tried any new amf ,plastic ones they use to have sucked have had some apex that were bad just sent them back if amf has a new one thats cheaper and works good ill use it

[This message has been edited by bowlingpinman (edited 09-28-1999).]

[Guest]

Re: Dist. U-joint

Just for the record, I do not work for Stahl's.

Now that that's out of the way. I ordered some u-joints from Stahl's and I guess I was non specific on my part #. They sent me these big ass U joints that were larger than my ex's backyard, if you know what I mean. I called them and said what the heck are these things? They said oop's, but keep them and tell us what you think.

Well, here goes nothing. These are by far the best u-joint I have ever used. The larger size gives you a super smooth operation at the corner pins, and it has a grease nipple to keep it lubed. They look like they're off a '69 Impala driveshaft, but I like them.

keeks.

[Coors]

Re: Dist. U-joint

i like the grease nipple idea...what's the part #???

[bowlingpinman]

Re: Dist. U-joint

ask for big bertha u joint.i tried them long time ago.you have to cut and redrill rod ,maybe not any more if you try one coors post your opinion.im probably going to try one again.

[Universal Revolutions]

Re: Dist. U-joint

This has been a hot topic for me for many years. I agree. Then I worked on 82/30's years ago we used a bunch of universals. We always kept two or three spare drive shafts ready to go at all times. I have been aware of this problem for many years and am now ready to offer your solution.

As a challenge from my local proprietor/ex-boss I developed and now manufacture a heavy-duty universal joint that goes by the name "BULL-DOG". My "BULL-DOG" sounds like the one keeks has described. I have great faith in this product as it has more features than any universal out there. Besides being greaseable it also has two set screws to bite into and help hold distributor shafts that are in poor condition, this helps to reduce the flopping around they can sometimes do. Then, if you can wear the thing out, I can supply a rebuild kit for a fraction of what a new universal cost.

If any of you think you might like a universal that looks like to belongs in a '69 Impala, shoot me an e-mail and include your mailing address and your (registered Bowl-Tech user name) and I'll send you a free-bee to try. First six replies whom are in the United States only please. I would only ask that you come back to the forum to report your findings.

Others, who miss out, I will send you my information packet including pricing.

You can find me here in the Bowl-Tech yellow pages or the white pages. Also I am creating a web page that you will be able to visit. As soon as it is up and running I will pass it on to you.

As I like to say……….Your going to love these puppies!

Chris

[Dutch]

Re: Dist. U-joint

We've tried the Bull-Dog & love it. Very smooth operation. I'll bet that the ball inserts will wear out before the u-joint does. It’s definitely on our top 10 list of improved parts that have come out recently.
We get them from A&L Supply in Rancho Cordova Ca.
Dutch

[8270 pinspotter]

Re: Dist. U-joint

I have since switched to the AMF metal U-joints. I like them much better than the plastic ones. I have a few apex joints that have been goin strong for eight years now. They are a little pricey though.

[Guest]

Re: Dist. U-joint

The bull dog ones are great...built like a tank