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MG TD TF 1500 - Universal joints; OEM or aftermarket?

I'm going to have my driveshaft checked to see if it is fully balanced. I have a slight vibration after 45 mph. I have had all four tires balanced and the vibration is quite slight now but I'd like to check the driveshaft.
I assume if they remove the driveshaft to check the balance, they will have to install new universal joints when they reinstall the driveshaft into the car.
So, I want to buy universal joints to take with me to the shop since I assume they are not going to have universal joints in the shop for a TD.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket universal joints?
Thanks
Milt
Milton Babirak

They don't HAVE to replace them, but you might as well. I doubt there are any real OEM Hardy-Spicer u-joints out there; after-market will all be pretty much the same. I have a personal preference for u-joints with a Zerk fitting to lube them, rather than trusting the life-time lubricated ones. I just look on eBay until I find them.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

I was always a zerk fitting guy until the last drive shaft I had rebuilt. They installed permanently lubricated U-joints without me realizing. I decided to just leave them. I have to say, it's pretty nice never having to go under there and grease those things. It's been about 20K miles and so far so good. I think I'm sold.
Steve Simmons

I did not know you could buy permanently lubed U-joints for our TDs. Good to know. Are they really universal? Or are there specific universal joints for our TDs. Moss sells them. Is it better to buy at Moss or my local auto parts store?
Milton Babirak

It's the same u-joint for TC through MGB. I normally like to buy Hardy Spicer, but I'm sure there are other good brands.
Steve Simmons

Dana Spicer U-Joints are available (5-101X or 5-111X with lube fitting) and last about 3 times longer than the GMB, Precision or other third party brands. Spicer U-joints are available from driveline shops or can be ordered through truck part suppliers and are well worth it. The last 5-101X U-joints that I received were made by Dana in Mexico and the quality has been equivalent.
Glenn Mallory

This thread was discussed between 01/05/2020 and 02/05/2020

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