noise/ vibration

[Chris near Kansas City]

Never heard of anybody doing it for a motorcycle shaft. The longer length and abuse that the truck shaft takes, on occasion warrants a re-balance.

[Grumpy]

Gottcha. Thanks

[ekap1200]

ATVWORKS.COM does indeed list a universal joint for the voyager 1200. BUT ,,, it is not a quality replacement part !!!!! Against Carl Leo's recomendation, I ordered one just to QC it against the OEM and here is what I found. 1st. The casting is apx. 0.13 smaller in size. 2nd. the caps measured 0.0018 larger in diameter ( it will take more pressure to install, or not install at all ) 3rd and "most important" the wall thickness of the cross measured 0.095 verses OEM of 0.145 And finally the dimension of the clip grooves is 0.030 off from the OEM ( which when installed will not keep the joint on the true center line )
So as a military QC inspector of spare parts for the company I work for , I would have to REJECT this part for use.
However I have been told that an OEM u-joint listed for the Kaw. Prairie 400 atv part # 49050-1002 listed on the microfiche as a "SPIDER" IS the same part and has been used in the Vulcan 1500/1600/ and the 1200 , and Kaw's price on that item is 65.00 us dollars. I have asked Carl to check up on that info . I would trust that Ma-Kaw may use the same joint on another application and steer clear of bargins that seem too good to be true.
Removel of the u-joint is not for everyone as its yoke does not allow it to be pressed out all the way. Although it can be done, by most experienced mechanics, I would not recomend it for the average DIY-er
HERE ARE SOME PICS, as ya'll can see the aftermarket cross is a much smaller casting, and having a u-joint that is cross drilled for lube makes for a weaker cross-sectional area.

Gene Kap

[Bruce in OK]

Removel of the u-joint is not for everyone as its yoke does not allow it to be pressed out all the way. Although it can be done, by most experienced mechanics, I would not recomend it for the average DIY-er

Without a special installation/removal tool or a hydraulic press, it is nearly impossible for someone (okay, ME) to make this switch without causing some damage when the fit is that tight on the driveshaft. To my mind, the only time you may need to re-balance a drive shaft is if it has collided with a fixed object or rubbed on something for awhile. Of course, checking it for being bent would come first.

[ekap1200]

Hi Bruce, A hydraulic press should not really be needed to get them apart and installed. An arbor press should be all that is needed. I am still trying to find a replacement U-joint that is not greasable thru a fitting as it does weaken the cross. Gene Kap

[chevyman1]

Hi Bruce, A hydraulic press should not really be needed to get them apart and installed. An arbor press should be all that is needed. I am still trying to find a replacement U-joint that is not greasable thru a fitting as it does weaken the cross. Gene Kap

When I do U joints I uses 2 sockets and a vise, 1 socket big enough to let the cap of the u joint go in and the other smaller then the cap.
The Voyager joint is a little tricky, It doesn't let you push the cap all the way out you have to pull it out the rest of the way without all them there little needle bearings flying all over the place

[ekap1200]

Hey Chevyman1. Whose u-joint are you using, Is it non greasable like the stock joint ?

[chevyman1]

I didn't buy one yet I took a drive shaft apart to check and grease the u joint

[ekap1200]

Hey Kevin, I just recieved a genuine Kaw/ ujoint off of the Prairie atv and it measures up to the oem for our shaft. PN / ( 49050 1002 -spider ) Same casting and dimensions. A bit more money than the aftermarket even at Carl's price but well worth the money for a quality joint. Does not come with the clips so order them also. Gene Kap.

[chevyman1]

I just picked up a parts bike out of your state for $150.00 no motor and they cut the frame to get it out but it had a good drive shaft, final drive, progressive suspension front and rear, radio, left saddle bag with lid the right side and trunk are damaged but useable, rear fender with 86 tail light I think I got an OK deal
Anyway I have 2 shafts on the shelf for spares but I will note the part # for future reference

[gearheadfla]

They cut the frame?

[chevyman1]

Ya I don't know why they cut it the engine comes out real easy with unbolting the right section, they cut the left side, I did get the pc. they cut out with it.