1972 MC-1 U-joint changeout unexpected issue

[998cc]

I am in the garage typing with grubby fingers. I pulled the drive to change the U-joints and noticed there is not enough clearance to remove the U-joint closest to the outdrive. The threaded ring is in the way. I assume it meas pulling the shaft out to do the job;is that correct? Is this an easy or difficult job? 3392031 is the drive serial number, and it takes the smooth-end (older style) driveshaft bellows without the rib at each end.

Thanks.
Russ

 

[bspeth]

you can grind off the ears to allow your big socket (receiver) to fit then pound or press it out.it wont hurt anything.

 

[998cc]

I did give that some thought but assumed I'd get a thrashing on the forum for committing such heresy! I'll check it out....
Thanks bspeth.
Russ

 

[998cc]

Done. After a little creative bronze sculpting, a steel1924 Prentiss vice for a press, and the U-joints are out and on the bench.
Thanks.
Russ

 

[achris]

Changed many unis, never seen the issue you're talking about. Sometimes it's very close, but if you position the shaft so the uni end cap is between 2 'ears' of the locking ring, they will come out without hitting it...

Chris......

 

[998cc]

Chris, in this case there was significant interference by the ring. I had to remove the corners off the tabs not only for clearance for the joint cap but for the socket used as the receiver (so to speak). Putting it back together is much easier!

Russ