U-Joint Selection

[mcdowel0]

I am looking for a u-joint for a steering system to attach to the column. When I was researching possibilities, there were many recommendations for the Apex Mil-Spec U-Joint. I also read on a couple sites that they are not to be used for steering http://www.flamingriver.com/index.ph...spec/FR1800B12 . What do you guys think about using Apex? Are they really worth the money? If not, I am thinking about switching to these - http://secure.chassisshop.com/partdetail/C42-366/. If there is not a boot on the u-joint do they have to be lubricated before each race? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[onemaniac]

Mil-spec 3/4" Apex joints (heavy duty types) have endurance limit well below what an average adult driver can exert.

Take a look at this
http://www.sae.org/students/cockpit_control_forces.pdf

and this
http://apexfasteners.com/fasteners/i...atalogue19.pdf

On the other hand, many team have used them and managed well. It makes sense considering the service life of an FSAE car is quite short.
Choice is yours.