Best 9" u-joint and u-joint bolts

Has anyone seen a difference in longevity? I am more concerned with bolts than the joints.

Spicer without a zerk.

Any thoughts on the straps vs bolts.
https://m.summitracing.com/parts/axe-bbsk-fs

Is the only purpose ton prevent over tightening or is there any other strength benefit?

For an all out race car the Spicer 1350 without a grease fitting is the way to go. On my car I had the same U joints since 2006 with no issues, I just re-grease them whenever I pull the driveshaft. I also use the "U" bolt type and torque them to 20-24 lb. ft. which was recommend by Denny's Driveshaft's where my shaft and "U" bolts came from. Over tightening can put excessive load on the needle bearings and cause premature wear and breakage. As far as which type is better I can't say, I've never have used the Cap type.

Ill go spicer and regular bolts. The caps cost more than an overtightened u joint getting replaced would be anyway. I can't find anything online indicating another purpose for them.

jpierce55 wrote:Any thoughts on the straps vs bolts.
https://m.summitracing.com/parts/axe-bbsk-fs

Is the only purpose ton prevent over tightening or is there any other strength benefit?

Meh, they look a lot like the old Moroso aluminum U-joint cap/strap/girdle setup. I tried the Moroso pieces and wasn't impressed vs the conventional U-bolts. The aluminum cap/strap/girdle (whatever) aren't fool proof, you can still over tighten them too.

The difference is if you over tighten the U-bolt setup it might crush/bind up U-joint cap a little, but at least the U-joint caps are still held firm. Over tighten the aluminum cap/strap/girdle deals enough and you can deform them enough to where even when they feel "tight" they might not actually be grabbing the U-joint caps tight enough.

That's good info. Thanks.

My old u joint spilled out on the way down to Ky, and I can't say I ever actually messed with a u joint before.

The pieces of the car are actually coming back together quicker than expected.

It's an odd experience realizing what i have forgotten or what I never new, since I always had my father helping in the past.