I've asked over on MGE (Swaps and the B forum) without a real answer why Fastcars (presumably) welded a coupler to the 3/4 side of the 3/4 x 9/16-26 universal that attaches to the rack they supply. Does anyone here know?
(Fastcars don't answer my emails)
I am guessing it is to meet the tight clearance needed between the coupler and the part of the crossmember right there. once the coupler is on there you can see there is maybe only 1/8" gab between the two. Mostly likely they couldn't find a universal joint to for the job so they welded on an extension to the universal joint.
Thanks for that Daniel. Over on MGE I noted Flaming River couldn't understand why. It's too late now as I've bought a polished stainless universal (and FR reckon you can't weld a coupler to it) so here's hoping.
Can't weld to it, why?
Well FR publishes technical details of their universals - one column is "weldable" and it said no against polished stainless. I haven't investigated why further than that.
Cause the heat would ruin the polish, maybe?
Well that too was my assumption coz there's nothing to stop you welding SS that I can see.