Zerk Question (Greasable U Joint Caps)

[JimmyHoffa]

There is a style of U Joint that has the zerk (pic #1) on top of the cap.  It is almost flush, rounded (no hex) and installed with a flathead screwdriver.  Stays below the level of the yoke.  Then there is the pretty standard version (pic #2).  Is the whole reason for using #1 because the #2 style would protrude too far out and hit something--shear off?  Is that really likely? (Guess with my luck it is  )  But really a major foul to switch to the friendly snap on fitting?

[92xj]

All depends on what your application is if the low profiles are needed. Front axles where the cap and yokes from the axles spins close to the inner Cs, ball joints, kingpin, etc. The low pros are needed.

If your choice is between the u joint with the zerks in the caps or a ujoint with the nippled zerk in the 90 degree, I'd go with the one in each cap. The single zerk ujoint is crossed drilled through the body to get the grease to all four caps. The ujoint with a zerk on each cap is a solid body.

[barracuda163]

Typically the journal cross is drilled and tapped for a grease zirk. Never had a need to protect that particular zirk. Yokes spinning entrap the zirk. http://www.machineservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/U-joint-ID-Trunnion-journa.jpg

[JimmyHoffa]

Thanks guys.
It's for forward joint on main driveshaft.  Plenty of clearance with other parts.  If going over a rock, a rock bounces up or high centering I could see it taking some damage.  The traditional snap ons I think are easier to get grease into.