How to change u joints?

[aer212]

Anyone have directions on how to replace rear u joints on 2007.5 3500?

[lobie]

Here's how to do it: Pirate4x4.Com - Installing a Ujoint

[dad2bike]

Originally Posted by lobie

Here's how to do it: Pirate4x4.Com - Installing a Ujoint

Excellent How-To.

[txpig]

Originally Posted by lobie

Here's how to do it: Pirate4x4.Com - Installing a Ujoint

That's a great how to guide. To remove the factory u-joints you'll need to use a torch too heat up the resin that they use instead of c-clips at the factory. The C-clips will be used to reinstall the new u-joint though.

[kevinc2004]

A large vise works much better than a hammer because the needle bearings dont tend to fall out that way!

[LR11]

I wouldn't try the hammer on these u joints, stick with a very large vise our take it to a shop that can press them out. Not sure if you have the single shaft or two peice, I hope you have the single less crap to work with. If your shaft is a two piece you will at least need a vise that can open up to 6" and can handle some real strength. If you can give us a little more info on what you have we may be able to help a little more, just make sure you have a vise or press that can push these in and out.

[dad2bike]

Take note, the How-To was for a Rock crawler. Those are how you do things out in the middle of nowhere. I've seen those guys carrying extra axle shafts to replace in the field.

[cowpunch]

The torch is needed to heat out the epoxy, pig be right. Grease the needles good so they dont come out when installing.

[aer212]

Thanks for all the help everyone. My rear u joint was bad. I have a two piece drive shaft so I just made some marks with a yellow pen to realign the splines and took it apart there. Brought it to the work bench and used the torch and hammer. I don't know how u joints wear but this one was the opposing sides were completely shot as in when I got the caps off a bunch of dust came out that used to be the pins. The other two opposing sides were still good as in they both had pins and grease.

[torquey]

What sound did you notice when it went bad?

[dad2bike]

Originally Posted by aer212

Thanks for all the help everyone. My rear u joint was bad. I have a two piece drive shaft so I just made some marks with a yellow pen to realign the splines and took it apart there. Brought it to the work bench and used the torch and hammer. I don't know how u joints wear but this one was the opposing sides were completely shot as in when I got the caps off a bunch of dust came out that used to be the pins. The other two opposing sides were still good as in they both had pins and grease.

Did you even notice the under hood sticker telling you to grease those when you do an oil change? I did my oil early. I'll be greasing when it is the normal change time.

[aer212]

Torquey, there was no sound just a bad shudder or vibration on takeoff then a vibration at cruising speeds and on slowdown.