Need Advice re: U-Joints for KB3

Hello All,

I am having a devil of a time finding the correct u-joints for a 1947 IH KB3 (has a GRD 214 power plant with a 3 speed transmission). The u-joints are an inside snap ring (ISR) and low wing bearing type with a 1.12" cap diameter, 3.30" between the ISRs, 4.23" pilot diameter and 1.43" between wing bolt holes. The front and rear u-joints have the exact same measurements (as I would have expected) but the rear u-joint is a low wing threaded (LWT) whereas the front u-joint is a low wing drilled (or non-threaded (LWD)). I didn't notice the difference in the bolt holes (threaded vs. non-threaded) until after I purchased two (2) Neapco 3-4152 u-joints which work perfectly for the rear u-joint but no so much for the front u-joint. So far I have struck out finding a u-joint with the referenced measurements that is a LWD (non-threaded). I tried several of the IHC parts dealers as well as few drivetrain specialist shops around the country but no dice. My reason for posting this thread is to see if anyone else has run into this problem and to see if anyone can offer suggestions, advice, etc.

RJ at Outback Parts told me that the u-joints (front and back) should be identical for the KB3 so he thinks that someone may have changed out the yoke sometime during the life of this truck and matched a u-joint to make it work. If no one has any suggestions then I guess the most logical solution would be to drill the threaded bolt holes in the Neapco 3-4152 u-joints to make it work or find a replacement yoke that will work with the Neapco 3-4152 u-joint.

Any thoughts, suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks for your time!!

Keith
1947 IH KB3

Keith, I save these joints everytime I see them. And the driveshafts, too.
The book term for the usual IHC Ujoint is " mechanics type" as opposed to spicer or detroit. Usually have a hole in the middle and a toothed bolt on cap.
I see these mostly on old IHC but recently saw one on my 1953 Ford car.
A picture with dimensions of what you are looking for and I'll search my pile.
A good used one is fine to use if I have one.
I guess my next question did someone change rear axles?? That would account for joint mismatch, for sure.

also, you can try Tom Underwood "parts of the past", search the web. Also, try Pappy Vance in Missouri. once again, search the web for him.

The MT-52D lists K/KB 3 as having Mechanics 3C u joints with a 3 spd,the 4C is listed for 4 spd's. The PN you got is a 4C so you know. Might have been ordered that way,who knows?

Found PN's for a LWD that match the UJ kit you used. I used that # to find the correct measurements.

The one you got;
4CR LWT
3-4152 SKF / Chicago Rawhide
544 Precsion
5-4014X Spicer
http://www.fme-cat.com/overlays/part-de ... glvkm2_g1k


4CR LWD
546 Precision
5-4016X Spicer (discontinued)
http://www.fme-cat.com/overlays/part-de ... gl2s22_g1k

Did not cross to SKF

NAPA uj's are Precision (Federal Mogul) just add PUJ in front of the digits.
"PUJ 546" shows on their site so try a local store.

http://www.napaonline.com/default.aspx


If you can't find the 546 just drill the wings with a drill press or use longer bolts (5/16-24) with full length threads.

Thank you all for your replies...very helpful information! I really appreciate all of your time and help.

Regards,
Keith
47 KB3