1960 Cadillac rear yoke u-joint

[JoeKarasinski]

On our 60 when I pulled the drive shaft there was a metal strap that was bent over the end cap, presumably to keep the cap from sliding out from the u-bolt. Mine were very rusty and fell apart. any body have any idea what to call them and where to find new ones? Or do I just go with out?

Thank you

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Can you post a picture of the part you are talking about?

The basic clamp is pictured.

Sounds like a home-made part.

Bruce.

[76eldo]

They had thin sheet metal straps(?) that you bent over the nuts to retain them and keep them from loosening up.  When these are this old they usually snap off when you unbent them to put a wrench on the nuts.  Could it be a remnant of that?

Brian

[Bobby B]

I've only seen the locking straps used when it's separate Bolts/Nuts holding in the joints, not when it's the U-type bolt, which usually just has a lock washer under the nut. I've never seen a U-joint come apart due to a loose bolt/nut. If they do go, it's usually due to a worn or sloppy U-joint which will give you fair warning in the form of a "clunk" or vibration. People seem to have this fear of being Pole Vaulted in the air via the driveshaft 
                                                                                                                                         Bobby