half-shaft to wheel hub 'french locks' - Forums - Official C3 Vette Registry

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Topic: half-shaft to wheel hub 'french locks'

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components

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half-shaft to wheel hub 'french locks' (1/4)
7/1/16 12:37pm

daveo76
Standard Member
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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 869

How important are these guys? My car doesn't have them, I can't remember if it ever did in my span of ownership. (It was more than 10 years ago when I did the rear-end/rear suspension.) Last night was my first time checking those bolts in years and they were all tight. Are they known for loosening up over time?

I do plan to order some and install them eventually, but I won't be able to do that before the gathering that is in less than two weeks.

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1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

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Re: half-shaft to wheel hub 'french locks' (2/4)
7/1/16 2:12pm

Vman73
Former Member
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.

Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

Dave - I can honestly say I've never heard of those bolts coming loose, but I'm pretty sure the french locks have always been installed. Check the torque before you leave and bring the new french locks along. Sounds like a great opportunity for a C3 Motel Parking Lot Tech Session !!

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John Sigmund

valkman57@sbcglobal.net

NCRS Member 61302

NW NCRS Chapter Member

Duct tape is the new Black !!

Re: half-shaft to wheel hub 'french locks' (3/4)
7/1/16 4:27pm

gtr1999
Limited Member
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CHESHIRE, CT - USA

Vette(s):
1969 350 4 spd drop top 1972 350 auto coupe

Joined: 5/2/2016
Posts: 64

Depends on the use of the car but they were fast and durable. However the present GM steel once twist once you hit about 50 ft/lb, some will leave them there but I always like to torque them to the spec which is about 70 ft/lb. The SS aftermarket ones really work a lot better.

Now you can certainly use lock washers and Loctite on the bolts. When I build HP Tom's 31 spline axles in trailing arms they come with grade 8 washers and bolts, same for the diff axles with 30 spline. Those I build for cars 500-1000hp. If you are under 450hp and cruising the SS locks or lock washers are fine.

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Re: half-shaft to wheel hub 'french locks' (4/4)
7/2/16 10:52am

Thanks, guys. I'll keep an eye on things but I'm not too worried since it's been good for 10 years!

John, sure I'll bring the torque wrench along, but I ain't loading in my floor jack and jack stands for the motel parking lot tech session! Even if I install a luggage rack, I don't think those would make the cut!

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1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.

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