Universal joint help

[norton155]

I need to replace the U joints on my 4x4 97 XLT. I crawled under it today and noticed that I will probably need a special socket to break the bolts loose. Are they just standard 12pnt bolts? I tried searching for a write up but could not find anything. Thanks in advance.

 

[BrooklynBay]

A box wrench would work on the horse shoe shaped hold down pieces. A ratcheting box wrench would be easier to use.

 

[norton155]

I have both regular and ratcheting 12pt box wrenches. You don't think I'll need my impact gun to break them loose?
Any of you guys have a preference on the brand of U joints? Napa and Autozone both sell aftermarket ones with grease fittings. Do you I need anything heavier duty then those?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The lock nuts on the U bolts don't have much torque. Any U joint is good. Some joints are permanently lubricated without grease fittings.

 

[norton155]

Thanks a lot Brook. I think I'm going with the ones from Napa with the grease fittings. Can I use the same grease in those as I've been using in my ball joints and tie rod ends?

 

[BrooklynBay]

What do you have in there now? Don't mix one type of grease with another type in the same part.