New U-Joint's rear driveshaft 97 SOHC

[wollimann]

Hello at all,

the last two weeks i had a problem with heavy vibration, they went harder paired with a loud squeeking noise.
A bad u-joint at the rear end of the driveshaft was the reason.

To get the Explorer on the road again i replaced the driveshaft with a used sparepart shaft, everything is fine.
Now i ordered two new Spicer 5-1330-1X U-joints for the removed driveshaft , they came with different snaprings,
the copper colored snaprings should be the matching parts, they are the thinnest ones.

Installed the new u-joints with the copper snaprings, but the u-joints feel very stiff.
So i grind down the six copper snaprings to 1,45mm (0,057 inch) an the u-joints
feels much better now. But what's the best way of alignment for lasting a long time?

The u-joints should have no "preload", but should they have a little axial play?
How smooth should be their movement?
I'm looking forward to some opinions.

regards Wolfgang

 

[Fix4Dirt]

Hello at all,

the last two weeks i had a problem with heavy vibration, they went harder paired with a loud squeeking noise.
A bad u-joint at the rear end of the driveshaft was the reason.
View attachment 436954

To get the Explorer on the road again i replaced the driveshaft with a used sparepart shaft, everything is fine.
Now i ordered two new Spicer 5-1330-1X U-joints for the removed driveshaft , they came with different snaprings,
the copper colored snaprings should be the matching parts, they are the thinnest ones.
View attachment 436953

Installed the new u-joints with the copper snaprings, but the u-joints feel very stiff.
So i grind down the six copper snaprings to 1,45mm (0,057 inch) an the u-joints
feels much better now. But what's the best way of alignment for lasting a long time?

The u-joints should have no "preload", but should they have a little axial play?
How smooth should be their movement?
I'm looking forward to some opinions.

regards Wolfgang

if ya pry at em they should wiggle a tad bit not a whole lot

 

[wollimann]

Yes, there should be a maximum axial play of 0.002 inch.
Spend the last two hours grinding the snaprings a little more down and pump
the u-joints full with grease. Now both u-joints are smooth and the dial indicator shows
0,0015 inch play.
For the future i ordered some Spicer 2-7-469 snaprings.

kind regards

Wolfgang

 

[wollimann]

So everything is back together with Spicer 5-1330-1X U-joints, Spicer 2-7-469 snaprings
and recommended PTFE FORD grease for the slip yoke.
Gave it a glossy paint, so the next spare driveshaft is still waiting for new parts.

Merry Christmas!

Wolfgang