U-Joint ID Spicer 1310 Series External Snap Ring IDN-146

How to ID a Spicer Type 1310 Series Driveshaft U-Joint or What is my u-joint size?

Spicer 1310 series u-joints with External Lock-Up (Snap Rings) has been used in production vehicles since 1940. The popularity of this u-joint for 4x4 and light truck applications has been slowly waning since 1979, but it is still used up to the present day in some 1/2 ton and lighter applications. 

A 1310 Series U-Joint is retained in driveshaft yokes by Snap Rings that fit into grooves machined in the driveshaft yoke ears and that seat against the end of the U-Joint Cap. 1310 series end yokes will have cast  tabs in the yoke saddles to hold the u-joint from lateral movement. When used with an end yoke, a 1310 series u-joint may be secured either with u-bolts or strap and bolts. Of the two methods, U-Bolts are usually found on mid-1980s and earlier applications. Since that time, using Strap and Bolts has become the preferred way to secure the u-joint caps to an end yoke. The main reason is u-bolts have a tendency to distort the caps leading to reduced service life.

Two methods of forging the cross are common. The traditional Hot-Forged cross is cheaper to produce, but the cross hardness is a lower Rockwell value than the more modern and more expensive cold-forged crosses use in premium quality universal joints. Today, greaseable u-joints typically have hot-forged crosses and lubed for life u-joints will usually have cold-forged crosses. For older or lower power applications either cross design should provide satisfactory service, but for later model vehicles with either Diesel or high-torque gas engines we recommend you use premium u-joints with cold-forged crosses.

1310 series Driveshaft Universal Joint Specifications:
Cap Diameter: 1-1/16"
Overall Width of Installed U-Joint: 3-7/32"