QU40669 New Outer Axle Shaft for 1971-1972 GM 4x4 - 1-1/16" UJnt Cap

QU40669 1971-1972 Chevy and GMC Full Size 4x4 19 Spline Outer Front Axle Shaft is a New Old Stock (NOS), genuine Dana original equipment 19 spline outer axle shaft for all 1971 and many 1972 Suburban, K5 Blazer, Jimmy, plus K10, K15, K1500, 1/2 ton trucks and K20, K25, K2500 3/4 ton 4x4 trucks with disc brake equipped Dana 44 Open Knuckle Front Axles. Use with QU40324 2" OD Outer Axle Shaft Slinger. USA Made.

Need More Info? Use the handy Links below to access over 40 years of Dan's product and vehicle specific Tech Notes to easily get the information you need for your vehicle's repair, maintenance, or upgrade project!

Dan the Gear Man® Tech Notes:
U-Joints
Original Cup Diameter
Upgrade to 1350WJ U-Joints
Causes of Operating Failures
Before Installing Axle Shaft
Matching Parts
Applications

Tech Note 1: U-Joints
QU40669 Axle Shaft takes universal joints made to Spicer 1310WJ dimensional specifications. The cup diameter for these u-joints is 1-1/16". The 4 cups are grooved to accept Inside C-Clip Snap Rings. The installed Clips fit against the machined inner faces of the axle shaft yokes. The distance between the inside of the axle shaft yoke ears is 2-3/16". For matching u-joints, see QU40792.

Tech Note 2: Original Cup Diameter

Tech Note 3: Upgrade to 1350WJ U-Joints
If you have a 1971 or early 1972 GM Dana 44 disc brake front axle using Spicer 1310WJ axle u-joints with 1-1/16" diameter cups, it is possible to replace the axle shaft assemblies with the stronger, 1972.5 and newer parts that use Spicer 1350WJ axle universal joints with 1-3/16" diameter cups. The axle shaft lengths are the same. The only problem we have encountered is there may be some interference between the end of the axle tubes and the larger inner axle shaft yokes which can be eliminated by grinding a little material off the back side of the yokes
The parts you need to up grade your 1971-1972.5 axles to the larger 1350WJ series axle u-joints are:
QU40221 Outer Axle Shaft
QU40058 Axle Shaft Slinger
QU40228 Spindle Bearing and Seal Kit
QU40638 Left Inner Axle Shaft
QU40637 Right Inner Axle Shaft
TK40712 or QU90007 Axle U-Joints.

Tech Note 4: Causes of Operating Failures
Outer axle shaft operating failures are usually a result of either a broken axle u-joint or a dry spindle bearing. Good preventative maintenance can usually prevent those type of failures. A good number of axle shafts are also wrecked by poor service procedures during u-joint replacement. Over the years I have seen a lot of axle shafts with bent or broken yokes caused by the slam-bang u-joint removal and installation methods. A C-Frame Press with the correct adapters is both the safest and best way to remove or install axle u-joints.

Tech Note 5: Before Installing Axle Shaft
Before installing your new axle shaft, lube the bearing, seal, and thrust washer with QU90018 Pyroplex® grease. Also, apply some Anti-Seize Compound to the mating surfaces between the spindle and steering knuckle.

Tech Note 6: Matching Parts
QU40324 2" OD Outer Axle Shaft Slinger for 1971 and most 1972
QU40043 One-Piece Spindle Seal for 1971 and most 1972 (Your Outer Axle Slinger OD will be 2")
QU40232 Bronze Thrust Washer for 1971 and most 1972 (Your Outer Axle Slinger OD will be 2")
QK4734.5 Spindle Bearing
QU40593/QU40683U Spindles
QU40032 Axle Shaft Snap Ring
QK4727 Round, 4 Slot Spindle Nut Kit
QU40792 Axle U-Joint
QU40598/QU40428/QU40657 Splined Hub Gears for 1/2 tons
QU56018 Warn Manual Lockout Hub Set for 1/2 tons
QU20109 Axle Shaft Gear for 3/4 ton Spicer Factory Hubs with Plastic Dials

Applications:
Chevy and GMC:
Suburban, K5 Blazer, Jimmy, K10/K15/K1500 1/2 ton truck, K20/K25/K2500 3/4 ton truck: 1971
K5 Blazer, Jimmy with 1310 Series Axle U-Joint (1-1/16" cup diameter): 1972
1/2 ton and 3/4 ton Suburban with 1310 Series Axle U-Joint (1-1/16" cup diameter): 1972
K10/K15/K1500 1/2 ton truck, K20/K25/K2500 3/4 ton truck with 1310 Series Axle U-Joint (1-1/16" cup diameter): 1972