Universal Joint suppliers

craigc90 · January 21, 2004, 07:09:57 PM

I have been looking for a metric u-joint for the rear driveshaft of my Honda Foreman. Not having any luck so far. Honda does not sell the u-joint . You have to buy the rear drive shaft and knuckle as a unit $265.00. I am hoping one of the multi talented folks here on the forum might have a source for u-joints by cap and cross size in metric. The caps are 17mm and the cross size is 45mm. I have the old one out and for life of me cant figure out why they dont sell the u-joint seperate.
I have found a used shaft for $100.00 but it is probably not in very good shape. A phone number or link to anywhere in the US if any one has been through this before.

ADfields · January 21, 2004, 07:34:10 PM

These guys should have what you need if you call them up.
http://www.axlesystem.com/atvdriveaxles.htm

Or you could try Spicer at.
http://www.spicerdriveshaft.com/

Andy

etat · January 21, 2004, 08:01:14 PM

Most anything odd or unusual concerning bearings or joints I get at Bearing Supply at Tupelo MS. Anything to do with a bearing or joint they either have it, or can get it. I've bought quite a bit from them, including some foreign bearings that would have been really expensive if I'd of had to bought oem. I usually just take the old part in and get them to match it. I don't know if there'll be one close to where you live but it might be worth checking on.

Buzz-sawyer · January 21, 2004, 08:13:44 PM

I total see your point .....I once had a datsun that required the whole shaft be purchased...NO WAY NO HOW! I ground of thr crimps and cross refrenced an american universal then installed it and put a tack weld on each ear to hold....It lasted the life of the car and cost bout 6 bucks versus the 200 plus they wanted for the whole shaft!!!!

craigc90 · January 21, 2004, 08:20:33 PM

I love this place . I spent an hour reading search results on google today and came up empty handed. 10 min.s here and i have some good information. This forum has an answer for everthing. Thanks guys.

Haytrader · January 22, 2004, 02:47:02 AM

craig,

You got it right.
Smart fellers here.
There are even expert welders here too.
I've heard that they can weld everything but 'the crack of dawn' and a 'broken heart'

:D :D :D

rebocardo · January 22, 2004, 08:15:12 AM

Most drive line shops that cater to trucks (classs 8 tractor trailer) can whiz up any drive shaft with any type of U-J in no time. When I twisted my driveshaft on my van, I went to one and they had me up and running in no time. Usually costs about $100-$150. Just in case you are really stuck.

Now, if this U-J is held on with straps, I would look up a UJ in a Spicier or Federal catclog and find one exactly the same in cap width or pretty near. If all you can get is near, I would go for one that is standard (vs. metric) size that applies to something that has sold a million units such as a Chevy or Ford Pickup. Then take the UJ to a machine shop and have them machine out the yokes a tad and get new straps made up or most likely reuse the new ones. Because if you are only having a few hundred grinded off the yokes, the new straps should work fine.

ScottAR · January 22, 2004, 04:26:50 PM

I worked at a parts store just out of high school. They had a smarty pants salesman that knew everything and did nothing if you catch my meaning. :

My boss had been there 30+ years and really did know everything there was to know about parts as far as I was concerned. Anywho, The salesman was talking about some special $40 ujoints he had to get for his 4 wheeler. ( I don't remember what) My boss asked to see these "special" ujoints. He walked over to the ujoints and pulled out one for a big truck PTO shaft and said " That'll be $8:00" The saleman was just a tad embarassed and I was laughing my fool head off.
on the inside. ;D

craigc90 · January 22, 2004, 05:31:42 PM

no luck today tried everywhere. even Dana Spicer Corp.
This u-joint is tiney. Everyone has listings for small u-joints but not that small it is smaller than a pto shaft u-joint.the caps are 17mm about the size of a nickel and the cross size is 45 mm. I might try to go up to 11/16 standard size cap joint but the yokes are thin as it is if I start making the holes bigger I will probably break something. I am about ready to give up. Maybe its time to send some more money to Japan.

etat · January 22, 2004, 06:52:06 PM

I have no idea if this will help or not.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43982&item=2455418285

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=mtberumen&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50

craigc90 · January 22, 2004, 07:18:03 PM

cktate
I found knuckles like that on e-bay a week ago. The Honda shop says the one that fits my bike is for a 1986 or87 only. the newer ones wont fit. I was thinking of buying one and trying to take the u-joint out without damaging it. That lookes just like my knuckle but the splines where it slides on the drive shaft are different. If I could buy one cheap I am going to try that. The Honda shop says the u-joint is bigger on the newer ones?? But who knows.