U-Joint Question

[LincolnCont.]

A friend of mine has a 1/2 ton Dodge 4x4. I believe its a '99/early 2000's anyway he needs to change the front U-Joints on the axles but they are some sort of pressed fit, NOT the type held in with a C-clip. I have no experience with this kind. What are the proper tools/method needed to remove & install these in my own shop? I really dont want to buy a chilton manual just to change U-Joints.

 

[ourkid2000]

A little off topic but I'm curious as to the signs and symptoms of a failing U-Joint......a friend of mine has some curious noises coming from the rear of his pickup.

Do all rear wheel drive vehicles have them?

 

[ourkid2000]

Well, it's amazing what you'll find with a quick google search, check out this link....

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/doityourself/a/aa102602a.htm

 

[rodm1]

You need a Snap-On BJP1 or equivalent if replacing on the truck.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=75395&group_ID=1631

 

[porschedude996TT]

I don't know about the Dodge U-Joints, but some of the GMC ones are assembled with and injected plastic that needs to be heated and burned out of the yoke before they can be pressed. These type have two little holes about .020" and when you heat them the plastic comes out like a worm out of a hole.

Replacement units use the "C" clips. See if the ones listed on rockauto.com have inside clips.

 

[PassnThru]

I don't know about the Dodge U-Joints, but some of the GMC ones are assembled with and injected plastic that needs to be heated and burned out of the yoke before they can be pressed. These type have two little holes about .020" and when you heat them the plastic comes out like a worm out of a hole.

Replacement units use the "C" clips. See if the ones listed on rockauto.com have inside clips.

Or beat out. I did a few years ago - didn't even think about heating it until your post. But they can be beat/pressed out.

 

[DHS]

Or beat out. I did a few years ago - didn't even think about heating it until your post. But they can be beat/pressed out.

Yep I did the same thing. I pressed them out and when it finally moved it went bang, knocking press plate off the press.

 

[blackedv]

yup i just use a ball joint press to get em out and melt the rest of the plastic left over in the lands out

 

[bgott]

If you use a torch on those plastic locked U-joints, aim the cap out the door. They'll pop out of the yoke pretty hard when you heat 'em up.

 

[barney rubble]

The front axle shaft does have u joints that are held in with clips. The Precision part number is 371 for a standard joint or 377 for what they call there super strenght joint. The plastic injected joints where only used on GM drive shafts and never in axle shafts.

 

[LincolnCont.]

Thanks for all the feedback it sounds like their is nothing different with these joints than any others i have changed. It was described to me by my friend like they were something special but from all the posts it doesn't sound that way.

 

[jaysonb]

I have the chiltons manual, I will look it up tonight and let you know!

 

[LincolnCont.]

I have the chiltons manual, I will look it up tonight and let you know!

thanks man

 

[barney rubble]

Those are the same joints that they used in the 70's on all 4x4 truck. Ford, Chevy, and Mopar are all the same.