Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints

Posted By: Chilort

Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 04:57 PM

I'm likely going to need new u-joints. The one's on my truck are very loose and with the new mill going in and harder shifting transmission I'm going to need to replace them.

I noticed that Durlast makes a sealed, maintenance free u-joint. Some things that Durlast makes have actually been decent quality in my book. Other things have been garbage. I was wondering what you all thought about these u-joints.

In addition, how do I measure the size of the u-joint. I measured the cap diameter (1.125) and the cap to cap length (3.626 IIRC) but that doesn't line up with any of the measurement I see here so I'm taking the wrong measurement but don't know what.

Posted By: Pacnorthcuda

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 05:02 PM

I don't know specifically about those but I would find out if they are cast or forged. A picture should be able to tell.
You WANT forged!

Posted By: therocks

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 05:12 PM

I use nothing but Brute Force.Advanced has them.Solid joint and high quality.I pretty much used them all the time at the shop also.Rocky

Posted By: Chilort

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 05:35 PM

This should link to the AutoZone part
http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/nsm/1-6301DG/image/8/

Looks like a number of places carry the Brute Force u-joint and it is packaged as several brands. They are made by Neapco.

Posted By: moparpoolman

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 05:42 PM

I like Spicer joints! I've had them in my car with slicks and a 4spd

for a few years now and no problems. I wouldn't be as preferable if it was just a street car.

Posted By: BossRide

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 06:06 PM

Quote:

I'm likely going to need new u-joints. The one's on my truck are very loose and with the new mill going in and harder shifting transmission I'm going to need to replace them.

I noticed that Durlast makes a sealed, maintenance free u-joint. Some things that Durlast makes have actually been decent quality in my book. Other things have been garbage. I was wondering what you all thought about these u-joints.

In addition, how do I measure the size of the u-joint. I measured the cap diameter (1.125) and the cap to cap length (3.626 IIRC) but that doesn't line up with any of the measurement I see here so I'm taking the wrong measurement but don't know what.

I haven't seen them yet, (I usually stay out of Auto Zone) but if you want me to test them, send me a set of 1-6301's for a 318 '73 Satellite and wait a month or so... I'm on my 10th one since installing the big rear tires.

Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 06:07 PM

They way I abuse junk I just pony up and buy Spicer.

Posted By: BossRide

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 06:19 PM

It didn't help.. I have the smallest U-joint they make and my rear tires are HEAVY, almost as heavy as my right foot. They don't stand a chance.

I'm dreaming of getting a different/stronger rearend with a better gear and a new drive shaft one day.

Posted By: Lew

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 06:25 PM

Alright now i need somebody to chime in here and say something good about the duralast joints doggonit, i just put a set in the CUDA.

Posted By: Chilort

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 06:48 PM

Quote:

Alright now i need somebody to chime in here and say something good about the duralast joints doggonit, i just put a set in the CUDA.

Go beat the snot out of them and tell me if they are any good!

Posted By: Lew

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 07:09 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Alright now i need somebody to chime in here and say something good about the duralast joints doggonit, i just put a set in the CUDA.

Go beat the snot out of them and tell me if they are any good!

to much snow goin on here today, will probably be awhile.

Posted By: Pacnorthcuda

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 07:19 PM

Based on what I see here (Forged center section) they appear to be a good joint. Not sure why the "sealed" is considered advantageous though. I would rather have the grease fitting.

BTW--its good practice to install the fitting (or in the case the 'bump' where the fitting would normally be) in COMPRESSION. Meaning align it so that under power the driving yoke is squeezing it between the driven yoke, rather than trying to rip it apart. Use your fingers like a set of yokes and you'll get what i mean. The weakest part of the center section is where the fitting is located.
No its not LIKELY to ever fail, but this removes it from the equation.
http://www.duralastparts.com/gold.php?page=ujoints

Posted By: WILD BILL

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 08:02 PM

Quote:

Based on what I see here (Forged center section) they appear to be a good joint. Not sure why the "sealed" is considered advantageous though. I would rather have the grease fitting.

BTW--its good practice to install the fitting (or in the case the 'bump' where the fitting would normally be) in COMPRESSION. Meaning align it so that under power the driving yoke is squeezing it between the driven yoke, rather than trying to rip it apart. Use your fingers like a set of yokes and you'll get what i mean. The weakest part of the center section is where the fitting is located.
No its not LIKELY to ever fail, but this removes it from the equation.
http://www.duralastparts.com/gold.php?page=ujoints

The reason I run a sealed joint is becuase they are solid where the greasable ones are hollow through the center to allow grease to pass to the caps.

The solid joints are stronger.

Posted By: Lew

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 08:05 PM

Quote:

Based on what I see here (Forged center section) they appear to be a good joint. Not sure why the "sealed" is considered advantageous though. I would rather have the grease fitting.

BTW--its good practice to install the fitting (or in the case the 'bump' where the fitting would normally be) in COMPRESSION. Meaning align it so that under power the driving yoke is squeezing it between the driven yoke, rather than trying to rip it apart. Use your fingers like a set of yokes and you'll get what i mean. The weakest part of the center section is where the fitting is located.
No its not LIKELY to ever fail, but this removes it from the equation.
http://www.duralastparts.com/gold.php?page=ujoints

Well i got the Gold with lifetime warranty, so if it blows, tears off my tailhouseing, shatters the rear yoke and throws the drive shaft threw the floor, THEY WILL give me a new GOLD JOINT, RIGHT?

Posted By: BossRide

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 08:09 PM

Quote:

The reason I run a sealed joint is becuase they are solid where the greasable ones are hollow through the center to allow grease to pass to the caps.

The solid joints are stronger.

Now we are talking... I might look into these for this reason. I think the hollow section distorts in mine and allows for movement which then beats the roller bearings around.

Thanks!
Ill keep you guys posted on mine. They go out pretty quick if I drive hard.

Posted By: Chilort

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 08:18 PM

I just like the idea of one less thing to have to grease. The notion that they are stronger is nice. Think I'll pick up a pair.

Posted By: Rug_Trucker

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/08/10 10:59 PM

I couldn't believe my D350CTD has sealed joints. No telling how long they have been in there.

I like a U joint with a Zerk fitting in the center of one of the bearing caps. That looks really strong!

That what my van has. And they aren't factory!

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/09/10 12:06 AM

Quote:

how do I measure the size of the u-joint.

iirc on the inside of the yoke from one ear to the other is 2&1/8" on the small one (7260) and 2&5/8" on the large one (7290)

Posted By: GKMOPAR

Re: Anyone run AutoZone / Duralast Sealed U-Joints - 01/09/10 02:22 AM

Have run solid Duralast joints in both GTX convertible and Duster with no issues. Quality seems good.