Rear U-joint replacement

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

BillsFan76

New member
Joined
Aug 18, 2015
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
Location
Denver, Colorado
So I finally have my 9" back together. Unfortunately, when we DC'ed the rear drive shaft to drop the pumpkin, my brother knocked both caps off the U-joint sending bearings everywhere. I picked one up today thinking all you had to do was take the snap rings and U-bolts out and it would drop out and of course It didn't :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Do you need to remove the rear drive shaft to replace that U-joint or can it be done on the truck? I was outside in the rain for about 4 hours putting the rear end and brakes back on my truck so didn't have a ton of time to mess with it before dark, thought i'd ask. Thanks again.

Alex

 
Last edited by a moderator:

Bully Bob

TOP GUN
Moderator
Joined
May 23, 2004
Messages
3,844
Reaction score
12
Location
Boulder City, Nevada (Las Vegas area)
Snug fit.., all that would make them stick is "crud" .

With clips out, clean the ridge there, (I sometimes use a dremmel with a mini wire wheel on it.)

& they should slide out.  Use some penetrating oil if necessary.

Pushing/tapping from one side.., pushes the opposite side out.

Clean the holes but don't rough them up.

Easily done on the bench but, also doable under the rig.

 
OP
OP
BillsFan76

BillsFan76

New member
Joined
Aug 18, 2015
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
Location
Denver, Colorado
Are the caps removed to take it out or does it slide out as one piece? When the new one is put in do you put the caps on after its in place or all at the same time?

 

Bully Bob

TOP GUN
Moderator
Joined
May 23, 2004
Messages
3,844
Reaction score
12
Location
Boulder City, Nevada (Las Vegas area)
R&R'ing the drive shaft spider.

Pushing/tapping on one side, pushes the other one out a bit.  As it sticks out, you can usually grab it  with pliers

& wiggle it out.  Then tapping on the spider tip (back the other way)  the other one will come out.

**** the new caps surfaces .., put the spider back in place then slide the new cap in the hole 'til

it goes over the spider stud. If you can, push the cap all the way in place. 

Then start the second cap.  carefully align it with the stud. Push it in.

If you're comfortable all the roller bearings stayed in place..., continue pushing them (caps)  in 'til seated.

Replace clips.

Of course, the remaining two caps just sip on & the u-clamps lock them in place on the pinion yoke.

 
Last edited by a moderator:

Bully Bob

TOP GUN
Moderator
Joined
May 23, 2004
Messages
3,844
Reaction score
12
Location
Boulder City, Nevada (Las Vegas area)
No problem..!

Being your first time.., I'd pop the two "c" clamps off the front.., wrap tape around the two loose caps.., and

do the mounting of the rear spider on the bench.

This way, you can inspect that front CV joint, clean & grease the zerks (if yours have them)

and be secure knowing the whole drive shaft is up to spec.

It's all quite easy. You won't have a problem.

 
OP
OP
BillsFan76

BillsFan76

New member
Joined
Aug 18, 2015
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
Location
Denver, Colorado
Got it in no problem after your explanation, thank you. About to post a few more questions with issues I'm having. Thanks!

 

Members online

No members online now.

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
22,520
Messages
135,982
Members
25,125
Latest member
ReturnToHangar
Top