Ultra short U joint between ZF and Prop shaft?

[Alex]

Hi everyone,

The concern: All I have showing between the prop shaft coupler and the dripless is about 2 1/2″ inches of shaft. Although I could pull the engines forward about 2 inches more. for a total of about 4-4 1/2″ inches of wiggle between the ZF coupler surface and the prop shaft coupler.

Is there a universal joint available that would be no more than 4″ overall face to face that I can fit in there to help with some misalignment when I redo mounts and spacers?

Something that can help me at continuous misalignment (not the plastic flex type spacers).

Thought about an automotive type yoke/u joint but for marine use. I believe a single u joint would address angle differences, while double u joints address angle and linear (center to center) differences.

Thanks

Topic

[Alex]

Thank Gene, Since the engines are and will stay in the boat, I will be welding up some over-engine beam supports with come-alongs.

The idea is to have two 3″ beams (one forward and one aft) supported outboard of the stringers with some steel legs (A frames) that I can assemble and disassemble in the engine room.

With the come-alongs I should be able to work on one engine at a time getting the aluminum angles to stringers in the correct positions and heights before setting the weight on them.

[Gene Fuller]

There is only one choice.

Get the alignment right, whatever it takes. No U-joints or other magic.

Gene

[Author]

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