Neapco 1-5900 NOT a Cross for U Joint

[renovate7]

I bought a Neapco 1-5900 u-joint to use on an axle shaft and it will not work. While all the dimensions are the same the internal snap rings are 1/8" closer together leaving a gap between them and the yoke. The u-joint will mount and the snap rings will go on but don't do it! I talked to Neapco this morning and the original joints were made by Spicer. Spicer also does not currently offer a joint with the correct spacing on the snap rings. If you need one get a milsurp from one of the dealers. If someone is keeping the cross reference list current the Monroe shocks and now Neapco joints don't work.

[Floyd]

I have no idea how it fits together but would it be possible to use a double snap ring to tighten it up and stop the play?

Floyd

[muttguru]

I bought a Neapco 1-5900 u-joint to use on an axle shaft and it will not work. While all the dimensions are the same the internal snap rings are 1/8" closer together .

Hello Renovate,

Can I ask...is the "cross" the exact dimension as the Mil one? And are the end-caps exactly the same except for the circlip groove?

If the answers are "yes", then why not transfer the needle-rollers and cross to the old end-caps? It may not be a perfect solution but at least you would have a good spare!

[renovate7]

Floyd the groove is only wide enough for one snap ring. Ken everything is identical except the spacing for the snap rings. While dissassembling the front end I dropped one of the caps and lost some of the rollers. I am keeping the rest of the joint and the 3 caps as "spares". I don't think I'd mix and match parts from used joints except under an emergency situation. This is on the front end and isn't under any load unless in 4wd. A new joint from of of the surplus dealers is $20+- so not too bad. I ordered a couple because I'm going to rebuild the rear end next. It will be interesting to see what we do when the milsurp parts start to dry up.

[petesilfven]

Perhaps someone could make spacer rings to fit between the snap rings and the yoke on those kits.

[RonG]

I'd like to offer a somewhat alternate opinion on use of the 1-5900 U-joints. I found that they did work.

In Elko NV a few years ago I 'lost' a standard axel u-joint and needed a replacement that day. A quick trip to the library gave me the part number (thanks G) and then to a well stocked auto parts store got me the u-joint. A local machist knocked it in in 5 minutes and I was ready to go. I agree with the clip spacing issue but I solved that by pressing in the clips from the old joint in along side the new clips. It centered the u-joint nicely and the clips fit tight. I was happy enough with the results that I bought a second spare.

I have about 1,500 miles on the replacement 1-5900 u-joint, it’s still turning fine, and have not had a problem. Will I replace it with a NOS U-joint? Absolutely. One of these days.

If you need one and have to time to get NOS, do that. If you’re stuck, the 1-5900 will work; at least it did for me.

[ldj1002]

Anyone done RonG's method? Save $20.00 per joint.

[svramselaar]

hi

if you look at below there is a alternative number from spalla J5-1200

https://www.wbparts.com/rfq/2520-00-176-3331.html

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264695083568

is it posseble this fit ????

[Rickf]

George, It looks like the 1-5900 is a good fit but I would have to get my hands on one and actually put mics on it to say for sure. But here is a link to a box with a different joint that showed up in a search for the 1-5900 and on the end of the box you can see all of the matching joints. I will call my local supplier and see if they have one and if they do I will take an NOS one over there and compare the two and get back to you.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274864158969?e ... Swq4Ng6zwK

Looks like a Precision 429, Neapco 1-5900, Spicer 5-1200X, Borg-Warner 114-125 and Wesco 201-554 Are all matches.

I went back and reread this thread from the beginning and even though Georges info is direct from the military parts list it appears there may have been a change in the part somewhere along the line so,
BEFORE ANYONE TAKES THIS AS GOSPEL LET ME GET MY HANDS ON ONE AND CHECK IT!!!!!

[Rickf]

Ok, Local guy does not have one in stock but he did have the specs on the Precision joint which in theory should be the same as the others. Cup diameter is 1.063" and outside of cup groove to outside of cup groove is 2.375". I am going to have to find one of my NOS joints to check those measurements against the NOS one. If it looks good I will buy one of these and actually try it in an axle.

[svramselaar]

hi

rickf
i have it at the J5-1200 not the I - 5900

george

[ldj1002]

I bought a Neapco 1-5900, it came today and I put it on. To my thinking it works perfect. I was concerned about the extra snap ring coming out since it hasn't got a grove to go in and therefore it can't close up on it's ends as far. I tried to knock it back out and it and it stayed as good as when knocked out of the old u joint. I am going to get more.

[Rickf]

Did you happen to check the measurements against what I posted?

[ldj1002]

No

[ldj1002]

did you get u joint to compare?