How to: U-joint removal and replace-how to with pics

[Turdle]

Here is my first how to thread--hope it helps someone.

Now, let's replace some u joints!

Tools needed--

12mm 12 point wrench
Pliers--I used some needle nose
a flat screwdriver
a 7/8" deep well impact socket
(optional, a length of 3/4" pipe)
A mini sledge, or BFH
blocks of wood --2x6 is good
penetrating lubricant
Safety glasses of course (thanks Dan for the reminder)

Mine must have been on my head

 

[Turdle]

Materials needed

u joints, and beverage.

330 for my yoke end
331 for my diffy end
I have a conversion driveshaft-it is from a 5.4l expedition.
Your u joints will probably be different part numbers--
These are the accurate rear u-joints for a 4406 transfer case swap--

 

[Turdle]

Step 1

Raise and support rear of truck on stands.
chock front wheels, and shift gear selector into N

Using a 12mm wrench--remove the 4 driveshaft bolts.
Pull driveshaft toward rear of truck, and out.
be ready for a trickle of fluid from transmission-transfer case

Now is where the fun starts

 

[Turdle]

step 2
with a needle nose plier, and screwdriver--pry out the retaining clips--4 per u joint

 

[Turdle]

Step 3
support the joint on a block of wood, as well as the other end of shaft to keep it even and managable

Using a socket sized close to the cap holes-
or a pipe

Take out all the aggression you can with your minisledge

 

[Turdle]

Whack it until this pops off the other side

 

[Turdle]

Step 4

using the pipe, or socket-slid over the capless greasy stub, whack some more, until the cap pops out the other side

 

[Turdle]

OK, that's about it--except you have to do it all over again for the other 2 caps.

And, guess what, there is another u joint waiting for you on the other end--

Re install in the reverse--be very carefull not to loose the pin bearings--

 

[trucku]

Thanks been wanting to do this.


Could a big C-clamp be used to press caps out/in?

 

[BrooklynBay]

A "C" clamp press or a hydraulic press could be used. I once used a vice, but it broke while doing this. A heavy duty one could probably be used.

 

[trucku]

Ok thanks BrooklynBay

 

[Turdle]

Thanks been wanting to do this.


Could a big C-clamp be used to press caps out/in?

A heavy press style one can, however none of mine were strong enough

 

[BrooklynBay]

Wow, that's some clamp collection! Why did you buy so many of them?

 

[trucku]

WOW.....lol

OK then no normal C-clamp then (what I have)

 

[BrooklynBay]

This would be the type of press you would need: http://www.explorerforum.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/293/cat/500

 

[Turdle]

Wow, that's some clamp collection! Why did you buy so many of them?

You can never have enough

I once made some cutting boards out of maple and walnut strips.
I used all the clamps you see hanging, plus some.Can you see the bar clamps?
Each cutting board is made of 1 strips of wood, I glued 9 foot strips together, and cut it into 2 foot sections.

That's why I have so many clamps--

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could say that they come in handy in a "pinch".

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I just want to add to make sure to wear safety glasses for removing the snap rings from the u-joint.

A few years ago one of the guys at work was using the needle nose pliers like Jon when they slipped and poked him in the eye causing him to loose it.

 

[trucku]

This would be the type of press you would need: http://www.explorerforum.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/293/cat/500

OK great.
I totally had the wrong clamp in mind.
wow they are pricey for such infrequent use. Maybe I can rent one.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

That's why I have so many clamps

And to think I just thought you were extra kinky