Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7273 Location: Derby

I am trying to locate a suitable rubber gaiter to fit the prop shaft of my '26 Dodge Brothers. The fitting size is 2.5" x 2.2" (63.5 x 55.88 mm). The length is less important. I am hoping that someone here can point me in the right direction. Is there a bellows type gaiter that with a little modification might suit this application?

If you have something that I could use please help.

Many thanks

Ray.

MikeEdwards · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 2739 Location: South Cheshire

I've seen "universal" steering rack gaiters that come with a stepped effect at each end, you cut them to the desired diameter for your rack. I can't imagine that a rack one would be large enough to cope with that diameter though as the steering arm end tends to be much smaller. Is there a similar CV boot that has adjustable ends?

Failing that could you make something out of a length of suitable inner tube, cut generously to allow some play and fixed at each end with zip clips? I've got some cycle inner tube over my steering arm / track rod ends so I can grease them and stop the water getting in, though they don't rotate in the same way of course.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7273 Location: Derby

I'm afraid the "universal" types are too small as you suggest.

I did see a Land Rover gaiter that looked promising but they never give any sizes!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LANDROVER-SERIES-2-2A-3-PROPSHAFT-RUBBER-GAITER-276484-/222212110578?hash=item33bcdfb8f2:g:1BIAAOSw4HVWCQqJ

As to your suggestion of an inner tube; I had hoped to find a gaiter that fitted seamlessly so that the grease stayed in. It is a torque tube with sliding trunnion and so doesn't rotate but it has always leaked from a home made dust jacket. The original "boot" would originally have been made of leather.

Ashley · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 1426 Location: Near Stroud, Glos

I expect it should be leather in which case Wefco will help you.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7273 Location: Derby

PAUL BEAUMONT · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

If you suspect that a Landrover part will do the job I suggest you talk to Dingocroft. I have no connection with them other than as a customer, but they are helpful and don't just demand a model number, chassis number etc.

Dipster · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2016 1:16 pm Post subject:

JohnDale · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2016 4:35 pm Post subject:

Hi Ray, how about tractor/combine drive shafts as a possibility for your gaiter
Most of the shafts have gaiters which would be more of a size for your job.
A chat to a tractor sales partsman might be of help,cheers,JD.
_________________
1958 Ford Zephyr Mk2 Convertible
1976 Ford Granada Ghia.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 7273 Location: Derby

Many thanks for the various suggestions. I have opted for the trailer bellows type because they seem to have more movement in them. Now I have removed the rear springs from the axle I have been able to separate the torque tube from the transmission so will be able to fit the bellows when I reassemble the drive train.

In case anyone wondered why I didn't just knock out the spring eye bolts, some clown has fitted the body of my car so that the access holes don't line up with the spring eyes as they were designed to do. Fortunately, being an Australian import, there is no rust anywhere on this car and the 'U' bolts came undone with no more than a quick wire brush and a dose of penetrating oil. I also knocked out the rear trunnion pins allowing the leaf springs to drop right down so that the axle could roll back freely.