Universal Joints

[bneiva]

By chance, does anybody happen to know the part number/manufacturer of the drive shaft universe joints that were installed on the 2003 American Tradition/Spartan K2 Chassis? Also, is there a torque value on the yoke capscrews?

I'm surprised how my Spartan owners manual never addressed the maintenance of such a vital piece!

Thanks in advance,

Bill
03 American Tradition

[jacwjames]

You should be able to contact Spartan and they could provide part number.

[DirtyDodge]

The u joints on our K2 chassis were 1810 series. i pulled mine to replace the airbags and figured Id change them after 20 years. according to spicer the bearing caps are 43ft lbs and the strap bolts are 125ft lbs

[bneiva]

Thanks Guys! I'm having a difficult time getting a response back from Spartan but taking the info from Dan, I can at least hone in on the make and approximate size, if not the actual! Appreciate all!

Bill

[Tha_Rooster]

Originally Posted by bneiva

Thanks Guys! I'm having a difficult time getting a response back from Spartan but taking the info from Dan, I can at least hone in on the make and approximate size, if not the actual! Appreciate all!

Bill

Spartan parts department is under staffed like everything else. Make sure you have vin# when you call and keep calling till they answer.

[Craig1960]

Spicer part #5-281 for the 1810 series.

[DirtyDodge]

Our chassis consisted of 2 Spicer part numbers.
5-281X for the diff yoke
5-676X for the transmission yoke
Ordered them from Drivetrain America

[bneiva]

Originally Posted by DirtyDodge

Our chassis consisted of 2 Spicer part numbers.
5-281X for the diff yoke
5-676X for the transmission yoke
Ordered them from Drivetrain America

I'm still waiting for Cummins to return my call but I would have never thought anybody would have two different part numbers!

I'm thinking of replacing them myself but I don't have a vice big enough. However, I've seen the advertisement on the Spicer site for the portable hand press ( $99.00). Has anybody ever used one for doing this work?

Thanks!
Bill
03American Tradition

[Craig1960]

Originally Posted by bneiva

I'm still waiting for Cummins to return my call but I would have never thought anybody would have two different part numbers!

I'm thinking of replacing them myself but I don't have a vice big enough. However, I've seen the advertisement on the Spicer site for the portable hand press ( $99.00). Has anybody ever used one for doing this work?

Thanks!
Bill
03American Tradition

I have and they work ok. A lot of the time the caps come out fairly easy without using the tool especially if they were put in coated with Anti Seize.

[DirtyDodge]

You shouldn't need a vice, I didn't. you'll see when you get a look at it. remove cap bolts and they come right out
I can take a pic of my old u-joints if it helps

[bneiva]

Originally Posted by DirtyDodge

You shouldn't need a vice, I didn't. you'll see when you get a look at it. remove cap bolts and they come right out
I can take a pic of my old u-joints if it helps

If you ever get the chance, I would appreciate it if you can. Also, Brian, a few other questions:

1) did you stack blocks to support the drive shaft under your coach?

2) did you have any difficulties getting good torque wrench placement?

3) did you have to air-up, raise your levelers, or anything special to get more clearance ?

4) is there anything else that you think needs to be known before starting?

Sorry for all the questions but thanks in advance for your input....

Bill

[AFChap]

I'm surprised how my Spartan owners manual never addressed the maintenance of such a vital piece!

My chassis manual includes a maintenance schedule. Under the 12 mo. lube section is: prop shaft u-joints & slip joints. ...or are you looking for some other kind of maintenance?

When mine came apart a few years ago the mobile tech said it appeared they had not been lubed for several years. THEN he did a slip-shod job (did not repair damaged yoke and properly secure the u-joints) and I had to have it all reworked a year later.

[DirtyDodge]

Hey Bill,
1 i didn't stack blocks. there is a cross brace just below the driveshaft on my chassis, which i used to steady it as i unbolted it. I dug a shallow pit in my gravel driveway and backed my coach over it. for me that was the only way id have enough room to get to everything

2 didn't have any issues getting the torque wrench to em. i just moved the coach until i could torque them properly.

3 nope, since i dug the pit i had the room

4 its pretty straight forward. make sure you have enough vertical room to wiggle/walk the shaft out if you have across brace. other than being heavy and awkward its not too bad.

maybe Davl will chime in. he has the same chassis and experience with the driveshaft, I'm sure he could offer better advice

[bneiva]

"Thanks" to everybody who had replied...

I heard from Spartan this morning and found the universals on my chassis are Spicer 5-674X series 1610 (half round). With that, I was able to order both universals from DRIVETAINAMERICA,COM, as somebody had recommended.

Normally I would jump into the job of changing them out but after reading a recent post from a member who suffered serious damage to his coach due to the faulty installation of his universals, I am taking my time to learn as much as I can beforehand. So with that, I am open to all input from anybody who had performed the u joint replacement themselves ( especially half rounds) and could offer suggestions...

Thanks in advance,

Bill
03 American Tradition