U joints recommendations

[Lynn]

69 Camaro.

Don't car about originality on these. Mostly don't want breakage.

Will be driven hard.

Won't side step the clutch, but will dump it from time to time with drag radials.

U joint recommendations?

Moog non-greasable 269?

Thanks for any help.

[speed]

Non greasable would be the strongest. I had no problems using NAPA's u-joint with my 470 bb. And i don't baby it <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif

[Igosplut]

I use these <span style="font-weight: bold">Lakewood</span> (http://www.jegs.com/i/Lakewood/620/23014/10002/-1?parentProductId=) U joints on my BB Nova. Haven't broke them yet with Quick-times and a 4 speed, and I'm not easy at <span style="font-weight: bold">all</span> with it....

[Kurt S]

This is not a weak link. I agree with non-greasable to be stronger.

[Lynn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kurt S</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is not a weak link. I agree with non-greasable to be stronger. </div></div>

Good point.

So... what is your opinion regarding what is likely to break first.

For sake of discussion:

Modified small block about 425 to 450 horse, about 400 torque
factory z clutch set up (flywheel pp and disc all factory type)
unmodified m21 trans
factory drive shaft
factory eaton 4 series posi carrier
richmond 4.10 gears
drag radials

[Igosplut]

The trans definitely if it doesn't have a 12 bolt. Even a steel bearing center plate would make a difference.....

[markjohnson]

Those 12-bolt spider gears don't like sticky tires either.

[BlueSS454]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: speed</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Non greasable would be the strongest. I had no problems using NAPA's u-joint with my 470 bb. And i don't baby it <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif </div></div>

x2. I have been running the NAPA Precision Super Strength U joints for years in my cars, and mine don't get babied either on the track or on the street. I have never had a failure.

[69VN]

Where would throwing a rod fall under??? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif

[Kurt S]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Igosplut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The trans definitely </div></div>
Agreed. There's a reason all these Muncies are MIA. The aluminum case allows the gear to spread, moving the tooth contact area into areas that cannot handle the load.
It will probably handle non-race usage, but it's being pushed.

[earntaz]

Rule to the masses -- big sticky grabbers will break stock parts sooner of later ...

[Salvatore]

keep a check on your axles also.

[Lynn]

Good advice Sam.

I think I will just take it easy (i.e. street tires) on this one once it is roadworthy. Will then turn our attention to finishing up some landscape projects and building the work shop.

When I get back to it, I guess if I am going to drive it REALLY HARD with sticky tires, I would want to eliminate the c clips and go with some good aftermarket axles. Could get ugly on the quarters if ones twists off.

[Kurt S]

The solution for the Muncie is to install steel bushings in the case. Helps distribute the load in the aluminum and stop the gears spreading.

[scuncio]

An iron midplate and Super Case will help, but you will still grenade a Muncie on slicks if you drive it like you hate it. I have a lot of hard miles on my Auto Gear M22 but always on street tires. Also use exclusively Spicer solid u-joints.

[Igosplut]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scuncio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">An iron midplate and Super Case will help, but you will still grenade a Muncie on slicks if you drive it like you hate it. I have a lot of hard miles on my Auto Gear M22 but always on street tires. Also use exclusively Spicer solid u-joints. </div></div>

I have a done-up Auto-gear M22 in my 66 straight axle Nova that I run Hoosier slicks on and I run it hard. In three years it has yet (Emphasize Yet) to break. I have to say after grenading more Muncies than I can count, I'm impressed with the Auto-gear stuff. The roller-bearing side cover makes them shift better than than you can imagine, and if it blew tomorrow I've more than got my moneys worth out of it...

[scuncio]

Yeah, Auto Gear is good stuff for sure. Just wish the case looked a little more like OEM.

[69 Post Sedan]

Another problem with Muncie's is that the cluster shaft is not centered in the main case from the factory.

I'm running a stock Muncie with aftermarket M22W gears in my car launching at 4000rpms with M/T ET Streets. No issues so far, knock on wood.


Kurt