U-joint replacement in double cardon

[scrutton]

1996 Ford Explorer 4x4 sport.

Attempting to replace the U-joints in the double cardon at the front of the driveshaft. (The rear U-joint I have succesfully replaced).

Ford will only sell me one of the U-joints, claiming that the other is non-serviceable. They don't tell me which one of the two can be replaced. Both U-joints in the double cardon appear to have the same info stamped on them and look identical.

Haynes manual claims that 1997 and newer may not be able to be replaced - and recommend driveshaft replacement if there are problems. Mines a 1996.

So far my attempts at replacing the front have proved fruitless, as there doesn't seem to be any easy way to get either of the U-joints out far enough to remove the caps....I attempted to remove one of them by using locking pliers - wouldn't budge. I now have one U-joint (the interior one) sticking half in and half out, and it won't go back into the fitting using the trusty hammer and socket method. I haven't broke down yet and purchased a hydraulic press, but I'm getting close to that point.

Next step tommorow will probably be to take the driveshaft to a driveline repair place.

Anyhow, my question at this point is, has anyone replaced these in this vehicle? Can they be replaced, or should I just go ahead and get a new driveshaft at this point (that seems to be the alternative).

Thanks,

Paul Scrutton

 

[Ray Lobato]

Paul,
Does your front drive shaft look like the one on my 97?
See picture below.
The drive shaft on the left is the front drive shaft. The big round ball is the part that goes to the transfercase. The transfercase is on the left side of the picture. The front of the transfercase is facing front. See the round socket on the right of the transfercase? that is where the front drive shaft goes

 

[scrutton]

Ray,

The 'rear' driveshaft is what I'm trying to describe. And, the double cardon joint is located at the front of this.

I think that perhaps the other U-joint that Ford sold me was for the front driveshaft, as shown in your photo. This is starting to make some sense now.....

Here's a photo of the double cardon joint on the rear driveshaft, where I was trying to remove the U-joints.

Dead Link Removed

Paul Scrutton

[Edited by Ray Lobato on 11-07-2000 at 10:59 PM]

 

[Ray Lobato]

Paul,
Sure enough that goes on the rear drive shaft. You can see it on the back of the drive shaft on the left towards the back.

 

[rpenner54]

Paul you should be able to replace both of those joints. Just take in one of the older ones if possible and get two new ones just like it. They should be identecle. BTW that looks like my rear driveshaft!

 

[scrutton]

Yes!!! Went over to a fellows house tonight, who had a 200 ton press. Managed to get both of these U-joints pressed out. So much for 'unserviceable'! I have been unable to track down the exact U-joint replacements so far, however I will now be contacting drivetrain specialist companies and seeking exact replacements, and possibly a rebuild kit for the center unit.

Thanks for the moral support,

Paul Scrutton