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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 12:38 PM
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OT Universal joints

Hello all.
In chasing down a drive line vibration I found I need to replace both u-joints in the rear shaft. What brand(s) are you folks having good luck with? Ori##'s has Precision brand high strength joints with grease fitting for 15$ ea. Is there something that is working better out there?
 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 12:49 PM
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I replaced mine with some greaseables from Vatozone. They have held up well for a couple of years now.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 12:56 PM
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I think the major point is to use something with a grease fitting, AND GREASE THE JOINT regularly.

The brand isn't nearly important as regular maintenance, in my opinion.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 01:03 PM
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Ok, thought I would ask.
The greasable ones are the only way to go.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by kell104
Ok, thought I would ask.
The greasable ones are the only way to go.
Absolutely. Especially in our climate.

I used Precision greasable joints in mine 2 years ago from Rock Auto.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 04:09 PM
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My OEM U joints are still good and tight after 13 years and 289,000 miles. I will be replacing mine with whatever NAPA has that are grease-able. IIRC napa uses re-boxed Spicer U joints. I have a slight vibration now so I figure ill change them now, knowing my luck one will go in the middle of winter!
 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 04:43 PM
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Use the Precision 295 instead of 330. They are the same price but are more robust and have the zerks on the cap instead at the cross.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 12:25 PM
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Just picked up the precision 295 and should get them in today. The old ones were toast, really really burnt toast.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 12:33 PM
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When I replaced my factory joints there was basically nothing left inside of them. Weird thing was they were still fairly tight and not making any noise. I felt very lucky that one didn't explode on the freeway. I replaced them with the 330 series, but will be switching to the 295s soon as it is difficult to get at the zerk fitting of the 330.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 12:51 PM
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From: Chippewa Falls, WI
Originally Posted by blderman
When I replaced my factory joints there was basically nothing left inside of them. Weird thing was they were still fairly tight and not making any noise. I felt very lucky that one didn't explode on the freeway. I replaced them with the 330 series, but will be switching to the 295s soon as it is difficult to get at the zerk fitting of the 330.
I feel the same way. My only real sign of a problem was vibration when coasting up to a stop sign in neutral.
I have had the kind like the 330 before and they are a real pain in the tush to grease. Maybe there is some type of adapter one could get for the grease gun that would reach them but I have not had good luck with most grease gun adapters. They usually just put grease everywhere you don't need it. If you are handy with a drill you could maybe drill out the end cap like the 295 is and install a zerk.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 02:00 PM
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I thought about installing zerks in the caps, but I haven't ever been able to grease these joints properly so I am quite certain the needle bearings are probably toast or close to it. $45.00 to replace all three and do it right this time isn't too bad.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 02:03 PM
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I got kind of lucky there. I only have two. No center bearing on my rig.
 
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