[athos76]

Well, the other day I knocked out my RMS. While removing my FDS for a little better access, one of the front u-joint caps fell off and needle bearings went everywhere. The u-joint is still in the driveshaft, it was just the cap that attaches with the straps to the front yoke. The question is, I have a spare Tom Woods u-joint that has a couple hundred miles on it... should I swap the whole unit, or just throw the cap with bearings onto the missing one.

[RaggedOleMan]

Don't put the original cap back on unless you have ALL the needle bearings, you're asking for trouble if you do. The Spicer 153x is the u-joint you need, and they should be about $12 +/-. Or if you're comfortable with the Tom Woods flavor, put it on.

[greene69]

I would just get another u-joint to be safe and replace it while it's out. You don't need to chance getting alitttle dirt or something in it.

[athos76]

Let me clarify:

The original cap is not a factor... It's trash
Both u-joints are Tom woods gold seals.
Would it be ok to swap the cap and bearings from the known good u-joint to the u-joint missing the cap?

[justanotherjpr]

Install a new joint

[RaggedOleMan]

You really shouldn't swap the cap/trunnion if it can be avoided. In a pinch to get off the trail ,that's one thing. But if you have a replacement joint handy it's in your best interest to swap it out in its entirety. Either that of find them itty bitty needle bearings! I've done it myself...

EDIT: Now that I think about it, I've done what you're proposing with a Spicer 760 without the world coming to an end. The deal is, I believe, that there's a very specific, measured amount of grease in each cap from Spicer. Presumably from Tom Woods, too. That said, if you're feeling lazy just swap the cap. You'll know sooner or later if it was wise. In my case, with my 760's, (axle u-joint) it never became an issue.

[athos76]

Originally Posted by RaggedOleMan

You really shouldn't swap the cap/trunnion if it can be avoided. In a pinch to get off the trail ,that's one thing. But if you have a replacement joint handy it's in your best interest to swap it out in its entirety. Either that of find them itty bitty needle bearings! I've done it myself...

EDIT: Now that I think about it, I've done what you're proposing with a Spicer 760 without the world coming to an end. The deal is, I believe, that there's a very specific, measured amount of grease in each cap from Spicer. Presumably from Tom Woods, too. That said, if you're feeling lazy just swap the cap. You'll know sooner or later if it was wise. In my case, with my 760's, (axle u-joint) it never became an issue.

The Tom Woods Gold Seals have a zerk fitting to grease them. Since they are the same type/brand/model... I'll swap out the cap for now... The needle bearings on the old cap scattered to every corner of the shop.

[SlackJaw]

Lol clarification made the difference