So, I've never had any luck finding u joints fpr factory stuff, let alone anything else. Y'al are a lot smarter than me.
So, i need a u joint to connect a stock 1999 miata driveshaft to a trans yoke from a 1986 chevy 700r4.
How do i go about finding one? Or, even better, what part number do i need and what brand?
You need a pretty specific conversion u-joint. The 700r4 is probably a 1310 or 1330 and the miata is probably "non serviceable" rockford 430-10A. I'm not sure that that conversion joint exists... Maybe give driveshaft specialties a call.
I have never heard of a non serviceable u joint. Is that common? Or is it a miata thing?
I can call my local driveshaft guys monday, but im truly hoping that we can find a u joint that will work so i can source one at the parts store. Thereby making it cheaper, as this IS a challenge car.
Miata u-joints are externally staked in to the yokes. You can technically grind out the stakings, and press the old ones out. Then replace them with new specialty (Rickford) u-joints that have internal retainer grooves. But .... the internal spacing between the ears has to be spot on or either the joint is too tight, or too loose. I did a replacement on my 1991 Exocet donor driveshaft and the results are less than optimal.
I think you will have an easier time getting a camaro or corvette driveshaft to mate to the miata rear end then vice versa.
The c4 corvette driveshaft are aluminum and with a conversion u joint and the correct flange, it bolts right into the rx7 for my swap. I have a spare! Can you get me driveshaft measurements you need and a picture of the miata pinion flange?
A driveshaft shop wil be able to make what you need. That's what I did with the Locost. Toyota U joints are also "non-serviceable," but with the aftermarket stuff, they can be fixed.
The guy running the driveshaft shop I used was great. He did everything with a small sledge hammer, large MIG welder with no hood (closed is eyes and squirted,) and a lathe with about a 10 foot bed.
At this moment, custom fab seems the ticket. I spent some time last night scouring Miata swap sites. A lot of info on everything but drive shafts.
From what I can tell, the miata pinion flange is same as small rx7.
Get corvette or camaro steel driveshaft and the "small dodge truck" rear flange mount and get shaft lengthened or shortened until it fits...
I will send a link for the rear pinion flange mount that you need.
https://www.mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=2602-37
This the rear pinion flange mount for the driveshaft. You will need a conversion u joint. It will depend whether you get a 1310 or 1330 type gm driveshaft.
Don't piss around with the miata shaft. They are weak and only kinda serviceable.
Oh, better yet, ask Keith from fm what they use from gm trans to miata rear. You will still need to measure!
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