I've used multiple sets from BPNW, the Spicer ones. The engineers on
the list can probably answer this better than I, but I would think that
smaller needles equals more surface area and larger bearing surfaces.
This would be a plus. I will agree on the retaining clips however. In
any event, I've never had a problem "down the road" with the Spicer
units. The ones to really avoid are the Quinton Hazels, which are the
most available brand. As I've said before, QH used to be sold by JC
Whitney as aftermarket cheapo replacement parts. Now they are sold by
VB, BPNW and others as "original". That's where TRF comes out smelling
like roses (although they do sell QH u-joints by the boat load, they do
sell another, higher priced/quality brands well). TRF has "proper" ball
joints and tie rod ends. As far as I know, no one else does, just QHC
(Quinton Hazel Crap).
IMHO
Bob Kramer, Austin TX
Hill Country Triumph Club
TR6x3, TR250 x3, TR3A vintage race
rgk@flash.net
> > Or you can get them from British Parts North West at about $12
each.
> > That's where I got mine.
> >
> One thing about the BPNW u-joints. They are definitely not the
> same as the original ones on my TR6 were. I think OEM are Hardy
Spicer
> which is apparently THE brand for u-joints. The ones I got for $60
for
> all 6 had at least two things I noticed which appeared to be less
good
> than the HS ones:
>
> 1. The needles were substantially smaller in diameter than the
> HS ones (apparently larger needles means better u-joints - up to a
point
> I suppose), and
>
> 2. The spring clips from BPNW are just pure crap. I ended up
> reusing my HS clips when I could and the others I got from a local
drive
> line company (which is where I learned that "all truckers use only HS
> u-joints"). The clips I got from BPNW had no spring and would not
hold
> their shape once compressed into the cup.
>
> BTW, I have bought other stuff from BPNW (mostly poly bushings
> and the switch plinth for my TR6) and the quality has always been
superb
> at much lower prices than the big 3. The u-joints appear to be one
area
> where they are cutting corners. At least if one believes that TRF
does
> indeed sell only HS u-joints (at $22 each!). I don't know what Moss
> sells for u-joints but since their price seems close to TRF's I
suspect
> it's HS as well.
>
> Peter Zaborski
> 76 TR6 (CF58310 UO)
> Calgary AB Canada
>
>
> > Larry Zink
> > 1964 Spitfire4
> > Houston
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