So I tore into the front drive shaft to replace U-joints. I was able to wiggle the shaft about a half inch. After taking it apart, I noticed the CV joint ball was wiggling about the same amount.

Has anyone tried one of these rebuild kits?

Buy Neapco Double Cardan CV Ball Seat Repair Kit 7-0081NG at Advance Auto Parts

Or should I spring the extra dough for the whole yoke...

EDIT: That kit is priced at $30, but I could get the whole yoke through rockauto for $48. The only thing is I would have to wait for it..

 

It all depends on what is worn on yours. If the pin is worn you are screwed, that is a welded part of the shaft

 

It seems to be just the ball. Right now I have the yoke completely out, and am able to wiggle the ball in and out of the socket about 1/4 of an inch.

Just wondering if anyone had any experience with these kits.


There's also a couple other concerns I've come across in this project, if anyone could help shed some light on them:

1. The pinion yoke on my front axle wiggles up in down in the axle a little, not sure if it's supposed to do that, and the seal has pretty much come off the walls and I can see into the differential. (I have a new seal to replace that)

2. Also, when I was removing the U-joints on my front driveshaft, a circular piece (some sort of balancing weight?) about 1 1/2" in diameter fell off the rear end of the shaft.

 

I wouldnt worry about the weight unless you have a vibration

 

Actually it seems like the whole thing is moving in the differential, not just like the nut is loose.

 

You have a serious problem here that needs to be repaired. Way beyond a simple seal change IMHO.

 

sounds like the pinion bearing is toast

 

How does a guy go about changing that?

EDIT: Actually, I've been thinking about switching this truck from 4.10 to... something else, 3.73 or 3.55 I guess. Tired of screaming 2300 rpm at 60 mph. Is that a pretty "doable" thing, or am I crazy?