Thanks for that suggestion too Rob, I have been driving Land Rovers and Range Rovers for the past 20+ years and have a few steering shaft bits from them, I initially thought they would be a perfect fit but the space available in the mill is pretty tight and the Rangie UJs are too big. I guess it would not hurt to go down to the motor wreckers and have a browse for some smaller unis, might just do that this week. If I could pick up some proper roller-bearing UJs in a suitable size would be great, the available space limits the OD to about 1 3/4 " if memory serves so might be a challenge to find.
(11-05-2015, 10:23 PM)Pete O Wrote: [ -> ]...One thing that concerns me about the socket-set UJs is that the cross-pins (in those that I've looked at) seem to be spaced a fair way apart longitudinally, which is how they get the maximum angle, which means that there would be a lot of wobble in the shaft...
I've got a couple of socket UJs that have loosened up and are useless if you are trying to guide a socket onto a hard to reach nut/bolt. I place a fairly heavy spring over them, which keeps them stiff enough that they don't move until I actually get the socket seated and I'm ready to go.
It may work in this application as well...
Pete
the only thing I can say is I tried, sorry it wasn't of any help.
don't see why you shouldn't be able to make something yourself,