The Official H-Body Internet Community

Question on what tool to use. I removed the driveshaft to work on the rear end on my 76 Monza 7.5"

In the past I just tended to hand tighten the U-bolts on the U-joint caps as I can never get a torque wrench socket to fit in there. Is there such a tool that would look like half a 1/2" wrench that had a socket connection at one end so you can use a proper torque wrench on it? And what torque setting should it be? I have never worried about it before but too tight and you would crush the cap and screw up the needle bearings inside the cap.

Thanks

I don't know how you would get a torque wrench in there. I usually just snug them up but make sure you use a good lockwasher and some loctite on the threads. As you mentioned, too tight is not good and they are pretty small nuts.

I have also never torqued U-joint bolts, but if you can get an open end wrench on it you should be able to get a crows foot on it.

http://www.amazon.com/SAE-Crowsfoot-Wre ... B001Z0WF2K

The link is just an example, they make many types even 12 point semi box styles but they can be a bit spendy. If you decide to use one the method to not have an impact on the torque setting with the extended length is to use the crows foot at a 90 degree angle on the torque wrench. If you use it straight out you will be putting more torque on the fastener than the Torque wrench is indicating.

You will probably have to modify the crows wrench to use it on the tight space.

I just snug them until the lock washer is flat.

Dick