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Topic: C3 interchange of HalfShafts

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


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C3 interchange of HalfShafts (1/7)
 12/31/08 11:42am
StingrayHawaii
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Ellijay, GA - USA

Vette(s):
1996 Collector Edition Coupe, LT4, 6 spd 1982 Red on Red, 60k miles 1970 Convert, Maroon, Lt Saddle, 383 4 spd conv with ac 2016 Z-51 yellow Convert, 7 speed (Sold) 1974 Avanti w/Chevy 350 - 4L60 trans 2020 Polaris Slingshot GT LE


Joined: 1/2/2007
Posts: 38

I have a 1982 with 54000 orig miles.  I have a half shaft U-Joint starting to make noise. So I am looking at reworking all the half shafts and greasing the rear bearings while I have it disassembled.

I am unclear as to the interchange of the half shafts, u-joints and know about the differences between the 80-82 rear end differential and earlier models.   I also know there are at least two sizes of half shafts used on earlier C3s with a smaller diameter unit used on L-48 autos and a larger diameter shaft for big blocks, 4 speeds and L-82s.  Appears from my research that the only real difference in the 80-82s half shafts are that the factory U-joints were the newer un-greasable style.

I have two (new old stock) HD Half shafts (large diameter shaft) and just want to know if they will fit the 1982?  It appears the 82 already has the larger HD shaft.  Are the 80-82 half shafts interchangeable earlier models?

I also have had good results with the greasable u-joints and prefer regular greasing to periodic replacement.LOL

StingrayHawaii2008-12-31 08:43:16

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Gary & Ina
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C3 interchange of HalfShafts (2/7)
 12/31/08 1:48pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

Original u-joints were never grease-able on any year model Shark. They were all solid.
The joints on the late(80-82) cars were a different size than the earlier cars, and the attaching bolts are a PITA, due to the design.
The shafts themselves should fit, with the correct u-joints.
I have encountered the larger shafts hitting on the storage compartments in the later cars, tho. That usually depends on body mount condition, and diff. mount condition.

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Joel Adams
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C3 interchange of HalfShafts (3/7)
 1/3/09 12:08pm
StingrayHawaii
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Ellijay, GA - USA

Vette(s):
1996 Collector Edition Coupe, LT4, 6 spd 1982 Red on Red, 60k miles 1970 Convert, Maroon, Lt Saddle, 383 4 spd conv with ac 2016 Z-51 yellow Convert, 7 speed (Sold) 1974 Avanti w/Chevy 350 - 4L60 trans 2020 Polaris Slingshot GT LE


Joined: 1/2/2007
Posts: 38

Thanks for the feed back,
 
Plan to tackle the project this week and will see how it looks.  I can either rebuild the ones on the car or use the new ones I have if they will fit. 
 
What is PITA?  Noticed it a number of places in the Forum related to hard to do, poor design and similar assume it is .... is it for " Pain in the Ass"?
 
If I remember correctly the later model inner U-Joint bolts need a 12 piont socket to get them off!
 
I will post what I find out! 
 
Thanks again for the help!Clap


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Gary & Ina
C3 interchange of HalfShafts (4/7)
 1/3/09 12:12pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
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[QUOTE=StingrayHawaii] What is PITA?  Noticed it a number of places in the Forum related to hard to do, poor design and similar assume it is .... is it for " Pain in the Ass"?

If I remember correctly the later model inner U-Joint bolts need a 12 point socket to get them off!
Clap
[/QUOTE]

You are correct, sir....on both accounts!

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Joel Adams
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C3 interchange of HalfShafts (5/7)
 1/3/09 3:11pm
Phill's VetteLifetime Member
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Apache Junction, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1982,150K,Renegade CFI,Hooker Side Pipes,85 fuel pump,Bilsteins,HD suspension, Aluminum radiator, SharkBar/w 5-Point Restraints. 3:73 gears coming soon.


Joined: 10/15/2006
Posts: 285

I thought a PITA was something you put meat and stuff into before you ate it....Wink
I'll be watching this post to see how it goes. I will be exchanging my differential soon and all 6 U-joints while I'm there.
Good Luck!
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Phill's Vette2009-01-03 12:13:36
C3 interchange of HalfShafts (6/7)
 1/3/09 8:17pm
Warp2
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Henderson, NV - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Coupe,ZZ383/425HP,Tremec 5 Speed, 354 Dana,VBP Pro Comp dual Mount Suspension, Steeroids Rack & Pinion. Affiliation: Yakima Valley Vettes


Joined: 11/16/2007
Posts: 48

The 82 half shafts are the large HD type. Yes the bolts are 12 point. Go with the non-greasable u joints, They are stronger!
C3 interchange of HalfShafts (7/7)
 1/3/09 8:53pm
rick jayGold Member
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Liverpool, NY - USA

Vette(s):
72 coupe, 350 4 spd, modified motor, exhaust, tires & wheels. '91 ZR1, modified exhaust.


Joined: 1/21/2003
Posts: 82

I've read that the non-greasable joints are stronger, and if they have enough of the right grease in them that they shouldn't need regreasing as long as the seals seal correctly. The grease stays in and the water stays out. This I was told by an engineer friend who used to work for a bearing manufacturer. I'm in the process of replacing all my u-joints on my '72 and I'm using ACDelcos (made in the US). I'm also replacing my wheel bearings since I'm redoing the entire suspension. For those I'm using Timkens (also made in the US, can you see a patern here?), which I bought at Carlisle from Baers Corvette Parts. I highly recommend them. When doing this type of job, they have just about EVERYTHING needed. And quality parts at a reasonable price. DON'T GO CHEAP. It'll cost you more in the long run. Good luck.
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