U-joint bolts

[b2758]

Noticed that the nuts on u-bolts on the upper joint of the right half shaft are touching an ear on the back of the differential. It had worn the edge off of it. I replaced all the u-joints and the rear spring links but it didn't change any. It's not causing a problem that I'm aware of but I know its not right. Any ideas about whats causing this? The left side has good clearance and I compared the u-bolts , they are the same.

 

[GTR1999]

Noticed that the nuts on u-bolts on the upper joint of the right half shaft are touching an ear on the back of the differential. It had worn the edge off of it. I replaced all the u-joints and the rear spring links but it didn't change any. It's not causing a problem that I'm aware of but I know its not right. Any ideas about whats causing this? The left side has good clearance and I compared the u-bolts , they are the same.

Sounds like worn side yokes (axles) in the diff, 74-79's were very poorly hardened and wear down a lot. Check your endplay in the diff and look to see if the yoke is grinding into the housing. There should be a 1/8" boss by the side seal, if the yoke is worn down enough it will grind into it hitting the seal and you could loose the diff or face expensive machine work to repair it.

You're probably looking at a rebuild since then metal from the end of the yokes turn the gear oil into lapping compound and gets into the bearings. I do a lot do these if you have any questions just let me know.

Here is what you have, the side yokes fit through the housing into the spiders in the posi case, the ends run up against the cross shaft. The cross shaft is hardened and will grind the face of the axles down.