After receiving my new 7260 slip yoke from Mancini, I went to install the new U-joint and ran into a problem. The parts store had 2 different brands of U-joints in stock, one by Precision, and the other by Toyo. I went to install the Precision unit, but I can't fit the retaining clip on the bearing cap in the yoke. Further scrutinizing with my Bifocals revealed that the retaining ring groove on the needle bearing cap is much lower on the barrel of the cap. The old(factory 1970?) cap and the Toyo both have the groove further up the cap towards the open end. The slip yoke isn't wide enough to put both retaining clips on once the bearing is pressed in the yoke. My question for the FABO brain trust is this: Should I get another Toyo and drive on? Or should I get a "premium" brand. I value all comments and criticisms. I especially interested in hearing from you racing and track guys. What brand do you prefer and where can I buy them? Thanks to all ahead of time. Paul.
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The Precision universal joint in the pictures has the incorrect caps. The caps might have been made wrong, or it might have been assembled wrong at the manufacturer, or it might be a return where a prior person mixed things up with caps from another universal joint. I have used Precision for years, but have not bought a new one in over a decade. It was not the best, but was better than average and good for my needs. Precision may have gone down hill though. Precision was formerly Torque Manufacturing who made good USA parts. Precision continued this tradition. Moog bought Precision and Federal Mogul bought Moog. When Moog deteriorated, it might have taken Precision with it. I am not familiar with the Toyo brand, but it looks as though it at least fits.
The Precision/Moog 315G, or 317 with grease fitting in the cap, (7260 size) universal joint from Chrysler is number 4364400 or 4384514 (later supersession numbers to 1752624, 2298908, 3780250). The Dana Spicer equivalent number is 5-1306X or 5-3228X (grease fitting in cap). The TRW (defunct) number is 20030. The Federal Mogul number is 20030P (which is really TRW, whom they also bought). The heavy duty non-drilled, non-grease fitting universal joint from Dana Spicer is 5-789X. This joint is greased by packing the caps with grease before installing and after installation by removal and re-packing the caps with grease.
Other brands are out there, such as SKF, Meritor(Rockwell), etc. but Chrysler, Precision, Torque, Dana, or TRW are the brands I generally look for and use but nowadays, I only pickup old NOS joints, except Dana. I've never had a problem or breakage with Precision or the other mentioned brands, just some wear after many years and many miles. I don't put racing stresses on mine much though. The only brand I really had trouble with in the past was Neapco. You might try another Precision, but check it at the store. If the Toyo is good and fits, get another if you need one, or possibly consider another brand. Any Dana Spicer is good, but for the most strength, the 5-789X is a top choice.
