MGA U-Joint replacement

[undertowrocks]

I was told that there is a replacement U-joint that is a direct bolt on at the differential end that is much stronger than the original MGA one. Problem is, I cant remember what car it is from. Apparently its the exact same bolt pattern to attach to the drive shaft. Im putting in a Buick V6, so I dont want to chance twisting off the driveshaft at the MGA stock rear end. Anyone know which one Im talking about?
Dave

[Bill Young]

Can't give you a part number, but there are a lot of combination joints made these days, just need to do some measurments and figure out which one will work in your application. http://theujointstore.com/cou.html
Take your rear joint to the local driveline specialist and they'll probably be able to come up with a joint that will adapt the MG flange to a GM shaft or a flanged joint that will bolt up to the pinion flange.

[pspeaks]

Bill's right David, there are untold numbers of universals out there with unequal cup dimensions.  I have gone through this 22 times, 23 counting my MG and agree your first stop should be a drive line fabrication shop; attend a car show and ask any of your local hot rodders who they use.  This may not matter depending on the horsepower you're chasing, and it's just my opinion, but one thing I've learned after a string of T-Buckets, some with severe horse power, is not to use a universal with a grease fitting on it.  Keep in mind that while they may be handy at times, they're also hollow all the time.  With a stock rear end, twisting the drive shaft may not be your greatest concern.  Of course, just my opinion, others may disagree.

Paul

[Bill Young]

If you do have to use a u-joint with a grease fitting always install the joint so that the grease fitting is under compression from the torque. An old drag racer's trick that will help prevent cracks and failures. For most of our cars we aren't putting out enough power or torque to be a problem though. The stock MGA rear end should be ok for modest use with a mild V6 but definitely not up to the torque of a V8. It took only one race in the RV8 to break something in our banjo type MGB rear axle with the V8 and we swapped to an 8" Ford.