You are using the wrong type of expansion joint. Tied Universal expansion joints will only absorb movements perpendicular to the EJ axis. You are attempting to put them in line. With straight pipe you only have the option of using an unrestrained expansion joint (X-Press) which will expose your anchors to the system pressure thrust ( Pt = P x A) or an in-line pressure balanced joint which is very expensive. I’d recommend you download our EJ catalog from myej.com and review the discussion on expansion joint selection.