Mercury MerCruiser 39385A1 U-Joint Coupling-End Yoke Assembly – Short Style
Free returns on all eligible orders
You have 30 days to request a return. All sale items are final sale.
The Mercury MerCruiser 39385A1 is the OEM universal-joint coupling-end yoke assembly used on older inline-engine MerCruiser sterndrive applications. This is the short splined yoke at the engine-coupler end of the U-joint assembly, measuring approximately 8-1/8 in. / 206 mm in overall length. One yoke is used per applicable U-joint assembly.
Note: Part 39385A1 is currently listed as no longer available (NLA) in Mercury parts data. Stock availability may be limited. Verify current availability before ordering, and use the part number and serial number information below to cross-reference if needed.
Compatible Applications
- MerCruiser 120 / 140 HP — 1967–1982
- MerCruiser 160 HP — 1967–1969
- MerCruiser 165 HP — 1970–1981
- MerCruiser 470 — 1976–1982
- MerCruiser 485 — 1980–1982
- Selected early V8 228 and 260 HP applications — verify by exact drive and serial number
Always confirm fitment using the engine model, sterndrive model, and drive serial number. Do not order based on engine horsepower alone.
Critical Fitment Notice – Yoke Length
This is the short coupling-end yoke at 8-1/8 in. / 206 mm. Mercury also produces a longer coupling-end yoke — 59830A1 / 59830A7 — used on later IR/MR-type applications, which measures approximately 9-9/16 in. / 243 mm. These two yokes are not interchangeable. Installing the wrong yoke length can result in inadequate engine-coupler spline engagement and eventual spline failure. Verify the correct yoke for your exact drive before ordering.
Product Details
- OEM Part Number: 39385A1
- Supersedes: 39385 (earlier Mercury number)
- Factory Description: Yoke Assembly – Universal Joint, Coupling End
- GTIN: 745061141186
- Overall Length: Approx. 8-1/8 in. / 206 mm
- Style: Short coupling-end yoke
- System: Sterndrive driveline / U-joint assembly
- Quantity Required: 1 per U-joint assembly
When to Replace
Replace the coupling-end yoke if inspection reveals any of the following:
- Worn or damaged splines
- Corrosion or pitting on the shaft
- Twisted or distorted yoke ears
- Excessive U-joint bearing-seat wear
- Damage following a U-joint cross or bearing failure
- Poor or incomplete engagement with the engine coupler
- Severe driveline vibration traced to the yoke or U-joint assembly
Any spline wear on the yoke should also prompt a close inspection of the engine coupler splines — a worn yoke and a worn coupler often go together.
Installation Notes
When replacing the coupling-end yoke, inspect the complete U-joint assembly at the same time:
- Both U-joint cross-and-bearing assemblies
- Center socket / double yoke
- Gear-end yoke
- Engine-coupler splines
Verify the installed yoke length before reassembling the drive. On applicable assemblies, 39385A1 is used with the 393831 center socket / double yoke, 75832T1 cross and bearing assemblies, and the corresponding gear-end yoke. Lubricate and reassemble the U-joint system according to the MerCruiser service manual.
Alternate / Superseded Part Numbers
- 39385A1 — current Mercury OEM number (NLA)
- 39385 — earlier Mercury number, superseded to 39385A1
Related but different — not a substitute for this part:
- 59830A1 / 59830A7 — longer coupling-end yoke for later IR/MR-type applications
Related Parts
- Mercury MerCruiser Double Yoke / Center Socket – U-Joint Assembly 393831
- Mercury MerCruiser Quicksilver Socket, Center 39383T
- Mercury MerCruiser Quicksilver Cross and Bearing 75832T1
- Mercury / MerCruiser U-Joint Cross & Bearing 75832T
- Sierra Heavy-Duty U-Joint 18-2104 – MerCruiser / OMC / Volvo Penta
Parts Desk Insights
Best Use Case: This is the correct part for a driveline rebuild or U-joint service on older inline MerCruiser drives — specifically the 120, 140, 160, 165, 470, and 485 HP units from the late 1960s through early 1980s. It's most often needed when a U-joint failure has damaged the yoke bores or splines, or when completing a full driveline overhaul on one of these vintage drives.
Common Issues: The single most common ordering mistake is confusing this short 8-1/8 in. yoke with the longer 59830-series yoke used on later MR and IR drives. The part numbers look similar and both fit the U-joint assembly — but the length difference means they are not interchangeable. Always confirm with the drive serial number and the correct diagram before ordering, especially since this part is NLA and may be difficult to return or exchange if incorrect.
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Locally warehoused items: ship within 1-3 business days.
Special-order items: timeline confirmed after order.
Returns & warranty
Returns & Satisfaction Guarantee
We stand firmly behind the quality of every product we sell. Your confidence matters to us — and we back it with a straightforward 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
If you are not fully satisfied, you may request a return within 30 days of delivery. All returns must receive pre-approval prior to being sent back. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
To qualify for a return:
Item must be in new, unused condition
Product must be in its original packaging
All parts, components, hardware, manuals, and accessories must be included
Packaging must be undamaged and suitable for resale
Important:
Electronics are strictly inspected. No returns on open-box electronics. Exceptions may apply only with prior written approval. Any electronic unit that has been installed, powered, activated, or altered may not be eligible for return.
We are serious about product integrity — and equally serious about taking care of our customers. If there is ever a product issue, contact us immediately so we can make it right.
For return authorization, please contact our support team before shipping anything back.