How do I find the correct u-joint for purchase?

[geosnooker2000]

I am going to rebuild my front drive shaft. Seen a couple of videos on the Youtubes. Looks like fun. I have found the front drive shaft rear CV joint rebuild kit for 40 bucks at AM auto parts, but I cannot find the front U-joint and be sure that I am buying the right one (right size, diameter, etc.) what do you call it in order for it to come up on a parts search? I've tried searching for "1999 explorer AWD front drive shaft front u-joint" and I get enough different sized u-joints that I don't feel confident in ordering one. Am I just relegated to go down to AutoZone and ask the dude to hold my hand?

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'd make sure that front joint is a good quality unit. Otherwise they typically fail in short order.

For the front I joint I'd just pull the shaft and take it in with me and match it up, or measure it cap to cap installed with a 4 inch micrometer.

You could also get creative with a pair of washers and a set of calipers. Place the washers in where the snap ring is meaaure the total OD and then subtract the washers thickness out.

 

[MAS Tequila]

That is a 1310 series u-joint.

U-Joint series identification

Here is one part number that you can use to cross reference other brands.

Spicer UNIVERSAL JOINT KIT Part #5-153X

 

[koda2000]

Below is what comes up for your truck on AutoZones on-line catalog. Is it guarantied to be the right one? Never. Is it most likely the right one? Probably. Always best to bring in your old one to make sure the replacement is identical.

https://www.autozone.com/powertrain/u-joint/moog-super-strength-u-joint/704985_0_4222_2935

 

[CDW6212R]

I bought mine through Amazon and Rock Auto, their application data was correct.

BTW, I'd not buy that cheap CV rebuild kit, it's made by Detroit Axle which is a low quality brand. I have one I just put into my 99 V6 front shaft, but who knows how long they will last. I didn't know about that brand before I got it. I have installed the Dorman version before too, it's doing find still, after 45k miles and a year of mail delivery. That one is about $80, I just got another one to do my 3rd truck.

 

[MAS Tequila]

I bought a front drive shaft from Detroit Axle before I did the 4406 swap and it arrived with the CV end already in pieces.

If you look at the chart I linked in my previous post you'll see that there really aren't that many different u-joints, until you get into the metrics.

On the EX there are 2, the 1310 in the front and 2 1330s on the rear D-shaft.

Then there are those of us with the 4406 who have to use a 1310/1330 conversion joint up front because the Expeditiion/Navigator shaft uses a 1330 joint.

 

[geosnooker2000]

Thank you all!!!!

 

[roscoe 0202]

spicer number for 1310 is 5-153x.
roscoe