Changing U-Joints on a '78.
 

Trying to change the U-joints on my SA22 but there aren't any C-clips holding the cups in place. What's up? Are the u-joints non-replaceable like on the 84/85s? Please say no.

Herb

I can't answer the question about the 78 (79) u-joint, but I can tell you that the 84/85 are replaceable. You just need to remove a small amount of metal that holds then in then replace with the correct u-joints. Search the form for my username and staked u joints.

They should be held in with a c-clip on 82 and older. Either you have an aftermarket non-rebuildable driveshaft or someone swapped in a newer model driveshaft to mate with a newer rear end. Even the non-rebuildable ones are rebuildable with a little more effort as has been stated.

Yep SA driveshafts have standard c-clipped replaceable ujoints. Somehow yours has bee
modified.

I'm the original owner of the car. Bought it when I was 20 years old and a Junior in college. The drive shaft has never been off it previously.

Good news is I think I figured it out. The C clips are on the inside of the u joint cups. I've never seen u joints like this before. I guess they were common on Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and some other GM cars.

Proves how little I really know about cars.

These are external "C" clips which ride in a groove on a O.D. of the cup itself holding them from comming out. As opposed to an internal "C" clip (normally with a tang of some sort) that ancor in an I.D. groove inside bore of the yoke. But you just discovered that!

Dodge did the same thing, my 90 dakota is setup like that

So I know this is kind of old but mine are the same way. (79 model) how does one get them out if they are internal?

I assume its via screwdriver as c-clip pliers clearly dont fit but any tips or tricks?

Well.....as I should have learned with past experiences, sometimes you just have to get out there and do it!

For future forum searchers, the c-clip is definitely inside the joint and by taking a relatively decent flat head to the edge of the clip and tapping it out with a hammer it will come out no problem.


The key is to hit it with some brake cleaner so you can see the clips to begin with. Years of crud make them invisible to the naked eye.