Can't get U joint off
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 446
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From: Denton, TX
Can't get U joint off
I am in the process of pulling the engine and tranny from a donor vehicle.
I got everything unhooked, clip pulled off, fluids drained, etc.
But I absolutely cannot get the u joint off of the drive shaft or yolk of the transmission.
I tried a c clamp with a huge socket on the other end to press it through. I tried heating it up and using PB blaster. Its not even budging.
Anyone have a trick? I am sure there is something I am not doing.
If I have to, is it alright to cut through the driveshaft just to get everything pulled? At least then I could work on it without having to be on my back.
I got everything unhooked, clip pulled off, fluids drained, etc.
But I absolutely cannot get the u joint off of the drive shaft or yolk of the transmission.
I tried a c clamp with a huge socket on the other end to press it through. I tried heating it up and using PB blaster. Its not even budging.
Anyone have a trick? I am sure there is something I am not doing.
If I have to, is it alright to cut through the driveshaft just to get everything pulled? At least then I could work on it without having to be on my back.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I'm lost. I thought you were trying to get the u-joint out of a cup on the yoke coming out of the tranny. To do that you pull the u-bolts and it usually comes right out, although I have had to pry it out. But you said "press it through", which I would think means you are trying to get the u-joint off the shaft.
Wait - Is the yoke on the tranny one that is splined? Have you pulled the drive shaft out of the rear axle? If so you should be able to slide the whole thing rearward and the yoke will come right off.
Wait - Is the yoke on the tranny one that is splined? Have you pulled the drive shaft out of the rear axle? If so you should be able to slide the whole thing rearward and the yoke will come right off.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 446
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From: Denton, TX
There are no u bolts on the yolk. The joints are pressed in.
I am just trying to get the ujoint free of the yolk coming out of the transmission.
I didn't do anything to the rear of the driveshaft where it connects to the rear differential because I didn't see how it would help.
Here is a picture:
I am just trying to get the ujoint free of the yolk coming out of the transmission.
I didn't do anything to the rear of the driveshaft where it connects to the rear differential because I didn't see how it would help.
Here is a picture:
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Release the entire driveshaft off of the truck.
Separating the yoke should be easier while apart from the truck.
Separating the yoke should be easier while apart from the truck.
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
With the driveshaft off, you might be able to use more force to remove the
u joint, even if you need to use a vise or a press.
u joint, even if you need to use a vise or a press.
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Cut the driveshaft then!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 446
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From: Denton, TX
I knew I was missing something obvious. I am still very much a rookie.
As usual, you all have been very helpful. I'll pull it off and put it in a press to get the joint off. Thank you very much.
As usual, you all have been very helpful. I'll pull it off and put it in a press to get the joint off. Thank you very much.
Senior User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Kansas
Just for future reference if you ever have to replace the u joints on your propshaft;
Pull the c clips,
Get a couple hardened sockets the same diameter as the u joint cap and set it against the cap and smack it with a hammer a couple times and the caps should pop right off then just tilt the u joint out.
To install the new one just slide the new u joint in as far as you can by hand, install the new caps (being careful not to drop the caps or the needle bearings could fall out) and use a couple sockets to hold one cap and smack the other socket in the other cap into to place, install the new clips.
Done it hundreds of times like that and works like a charm everytime.
Pull the c clips,
Get a couple hardened sockets the same diameter as the u joint cap and set it against the cap and smack it with a hammer a couple times and the caps should pop right off then just tilt the u joint out.
To install the new one just slide the new u joint in as far as you can by hand, install the new caps (being careful not to drop the caps or the needle bearings could fall out) and use a couple sockets to hold one cap and smack the other socket in the other cap into to place, install the new clips.
Done it hundreds of times like that and works like a charm everytime.