Paul Winey

Can a pinion yoke go "out of round" where the u-joint straps in place because of a bad u-joint?

I had a rear drive shaft u joint go bad. Replaced it with a spicer non-greasable joint. Snugged the straps up to torque, no free play. Drove about 90 miles to a truck pull without any problems. After two pulls (took third) noticed a rattle type sound when not under load. Checked and there is free play in the pinion yoke to u-joint saddle. Not side to side, but longitudinal (in line with the drive shaft). I used new straps (NAPA) so not sure if they are the problem or if the pinion yoke saddles are out of round or if another problem.

I'm looking for suggestions and also thoughts of sources for after market pinion yoke if I have to replace this one. I'm going to try the old staps and see if that makes a difference. Any help appreciated.

Paul