FL TA

iTrader: (1)

When I picked up my car I had to remove the driveshaft after loading it on my rented UHaul tow dolly.

Upon inspection of the driveshaft the U joint was not moving smoothly. It is clunky and sticking on the pivot points.

Thinking of changing it out myself. I bought a new heavy duty one for $15 the other day.

Is this job a bitch? And how long should a U joint last? Please advise.

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

It's easy with either a shop press or c clamp type ball joint press.
I know a lot of guys do it with a vice, but I found that very difficult on old jeeps.
They main tip to remember is to be conscious of the fact that the caps can fall off at any time if you let them. Then it's needle bearings everywhere.
If there's one in your area, a driveshaft shop can do it very cheaply and balance it at the same time.
My local shop also says that ALL parts store UJ are Chinese junk. They say to use only Spicer. Unfortunately, spicer now only sells to service professionals or internet distributors, so you can't get them at the parts store. I found many available on eBay.

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

It's not that bad of a job. Like anything you have to take your time and be patient. I recommend putting the new joint in your freezer the day before you want to install it. Sounds crazy, but it will cause it to shrink ever so slightly and it helps with the install. At least it did on a Jeep I used to have.

joshc

iTrader: (1)

If they have never been changed and still have the nylon injected into the yoke to hold them in, your going to need a torch. Heat up the yoke and the nylon plastic will ooze out and the old cups will press out much easier.
Heck, even if they have clips holding them in, a little heat on the yokes will make it much easier to press the old cups out.
I've done many with a good vice and assorted sockets to use as drivers.

If your nervous about doing it, drive shaft shops are usually pretty reasonably priced.

fervernt

^^^^^^^
this. a million times this. you will get nowhere with the original u-joints no matter how much you wail on those things if you dont heat them with a torch. ask how I know lol.

QUICKCHICKEN

iTrader: (12)

A trick I learned from the shops is if the joint has been changed in the past you can take a ball peen and rap on the neck of the shaft and the caps will walk out. Don't "beat" on it, just firm licks.

After the joint is in check movement. It should be free lock to lock, no hangs. After the clips are in you can rap the neck and this will seat the caps or free up any mild resistance.

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