I see that RockAuto lists Spicer 5-178x (3.625 x 3.625 x 1.187), greasable, as the replacement U-joints for the rear shaft on my 04 Ex. I've seen on here where other people use the 5-160x (dimensions 4.4 x 4.1 x 1.5 inches, also greasable). Can someone tell me what the difference is between the two, other than dimensions? I looked at the Spicer site and the only thing I could find there is their catalog is that the 5-178x is except 4:10 and the 5-160x is w/4:10. Which one is actually the correct U-joint for my 04 (originally a 3:73, now 4:30)? I'm asking since I seem to be getting the 55-70 vibration in my Ex. I plan on trying to rebalance the tires first, but just preparing in case I need the U-joints. From reading in here, it seems to be a common cause. Thanks.

 

Get under there with a big screwdriver and see if you can see movement.

 

@pirate4x4_camo, I believe this is smack dab in your territory sir

 

Rear shaft uses a 1410 series
Greasable part # 5-160x
Non greasable # 5-1410x

Front shaft uses a 1350 series
Greasable 5-178x
Non 5-1350x

Non greasable joints are stronger, greasable are easy to maintain.

 

While you are under the Ex inspect the driveshaft boot.

Ripped or missing boot will let water in and wash out the grease. The splines are coatsed but the occasional shot of grease via the zerk is still needed.

 

So, evidently, RockAuto can be wrong, too. I'll get under there and take a look at them first. I have lifetime balance on the tires, so I will probably have them re-balanced as a first step.

 

I just looked at rockauto and they list both for the rear driveshaft which as far as I know is not correct. the caveat being I have never actually looked at the rear shaft of a 5.4 equipped Ex but to my knowledge all Ex rear shafts used the 1410.

Dana/spicer however list both a 1350 and a 1410 for position 5,6 for the Excursion.

fwiw... Spicer made most of the drivetrain parts in your excursion so you'd think they would list it correctly but it also wouldn't be the first time somebody goofed the data entry and every mfg who makes a joint just copied the Spicer info because, well because they are the supplier to Ford.

from Dana/Spicer website

 

Since I'm in need of a U joint, is there a U joint that I have to get because it's the preferred.

 

Spicer has been my go-to for u-joints on every vehicle I've owned. I've run CTM's before, but for a normal use vehicle - Spicer.

 

My brother believes there's 3 u joints along the rear shaft and by the pumpkin. Since I'm replacing the the U joint on the rear shaft, is there anything else I need to replace. Am I correct that the rear is the 1410s?

 

Mine has two on the rear, transfer case and rear diff. The front has three, one diff and two double cardan up by the t-case.

 

Does this look like the right one?

 

If you're looking for greasable, that appears to be the correct number for the rear yes. Front's should be 5-178x for the greasable.

I don't know if the same holds true for the Excursion, but on all my Jeeps the greaseables in the double cardan would inevitably break off the zerk fittings. Those had the low pressure zerk in the center section however, and not the high pressure fittings in the caps. It may also have had something to do with the driveshaft operating in extreme angles while four-wheeling and cycling suspension from bottomed out to full droop.

 

Is there any real benefit to getting the greaseable joints? I installed the non-greaseable on my 88 Vette years ago figuring that they were stronger and had less chance of breaking. I would think in a heavy duty truck like the Excursion, the non-greaseable would be better, since it's a part that seems to have a relatively long service life.

 

I'm getting ready to install the 2 Spicer greaseables on the
rear and I'll let you know what I think for its durability.