Re: [Amc-list] big a** wrenches

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

The "big nut" drive shaft isn't as bad as everyone is making out. How often do you need to change u-joints? Once every 10 years unless something unusual happens?

Everyone is so used to the way things have been done over the last 40 years that if something is "different" they get all discombobulated over it. Think about this: production wise, it's easier to assemble the drive shaft, u-joints, and yokes on a bench then throw it under the car. With both yokes fixed you can't drop a cap. The now common method of affixing two of the caps with u-bolts on the rear isn't faster (in a production facility) and has more potential to slow the line all because someone dropped a u-joint cap. For repair purposes it's much better, but producers are most concerned with quickly and efficiently assembling a car. There are many more inaccessible or difficult to replace parts on cars today than there was in the 50s! It's not difficult to put the car on jack stands (supporting by the rear axle) so the caps can be knocked out WITHOUT messing with the "big nut" at all. 

The problem with the "big nut" is the splines inside the yoke and on the pinion shaft must be clean and dry, the yoke slide on to a certain measurement (it has to be driven on), then the nut tightened to 300 ft/lb. That last step is the hardest, and why I recommend disassembling the u-joint under the car. If it's not that tight the drive shaft can slip forward, and under just the right conditions (rear axle "squats" -- rear springs compress -- enough), there is just enough room for the drive shaft to sling out from under the car. The car has to be supported by the axle because the rear end moves slightly forward when hanging from the springs, enough the drive shaft WON'T come out. 

Armand, don't worry about the 69 American -- it has standard u-bolts holding the universal to the rear axle yoke. As Matt stated, only 67 and earlier cars with 196 or 199 used it. I think AMC used it behind 67 199s just to use up stock on hand. 

--------------
From: "Armand Eshleman" <aje1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Amc-list] big a** wrenches

Tom,

You're right I've never messed around with anything other than a 70 Javelin,
76 Wrangler, and 79 AMX, apparently much further advanced up the stone
knives and bearskins ladder of development than what has been discussed
here. I completely missed what was being talked about.......  and I
apologize for not suffering equally as you and I wish I could be there to
assist you in drinking that first case of beer in celebration at the
ceremony. Rofl.
Wow what was I thinking. Am I lucky for not having run across this
problem??? It sounds like a real peach of a sweetie....
Not one but two big a$$ open end wrenches fighting over a nut..........
Maybe I'm going to rethink getting a 69 American, making a drag car out of
it.....(just another dream I fear)
Good Luck Tom wish I could have really been of help.

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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