Rear U-Joint Question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Rear U-Joint Question
I am trying to replace the universal joints in my truck. I bought the truck about a year ago and they definitely needed some work. I noticed that the rear universal joint connecting the driveshaft to the rear end had washers welded to it inside the yoke.
I have a 2002 F350 4x4 Dually. The rear end is a Dana 80 with numbers matching the truck. I might be missing something or something may have been changed because I cannot find a universal joint that will fit from the rear drive shaft to the rear end. I replaced ALL the other u-joints with no problems but the rear ones leave a gap...hence why the previous owner had washers in there. Am I missing something? I have been everywhere looking for a u-joint and no one has one that will fit.
Thanks,
Joe
I have a 2002 F350 4x4 Dually. The rear end is a Dana 80 with numbers matching the truck. I might be missing something or something may have been changed because I cannot find a universal joint that will fit from the rear drive shaft to the rear end. I replaced ALL the other u-joints with no problems but the rear ones leave a gap...hence why the previous owner had washers in there. Am I missing something? I have been everywhere looking for a u-joint and no one has one that will fit.
Thanks,
Joe
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 3
From: in the middle of nowhere
You are gonna have to mic the cap diameter on both axis of the joint. And also measure the spread of the yoke (the o.d. of the joint with the washers included if you will) but measure the actual yoke. Then do the same on the prop shaft. With this information at hand, any real counterman should be able to find you a solution...
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
You are gonna have to mic the cap diameter on both axis of the joint. And also measure the spread of the yoke (the o.d. of the joint with the washers included if you will) but measure the actual yoke. Then do the same on the prop shaft. With this information at hand, any real counterman should be able to find you a solution...
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 3
From: in the middle of nowhere
Advance doesnt' surprise me, CQ is a lil disturbing. If they are still looking it up by application after the first time then you have the wrong counterman. Ford "ujoints" have had inconsistencies in aftermarket "look-up" for years. It didnt get any better in 97+ either. You need a guy that knows his parts books. I'm outta the game now, otherwise i could help. Have you tried NAPA? Post your dimensions here, some of these guys are good at finding that info online. Maybe get you a Neepco or Precision # to cross.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Advance doesnt' surprise me, CQ is a lil disturbing. If they are still looking it up by application after the first time then you have the wrong counterman. Ford "ujoints" have had inconsistencies in aftermarket "look-up" for years. It didnt get any better in 97+ either. You need a guy that knows his parts books. I'm outta the game now, otherwise i could help. Have you tried NAPA? Post your dimensions here, some of these guys are good at finding that info online. Maybe get you a Neepco or Precision # to cross.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I do know this right now though:
I used Spicer 5-160x U-joints. Outside to outside dimension: 4.188 inch
Bearing cup size: 1.188 inch.
They worked and fit perfectly on drive shaft. When I put the u-joint into the yoke in the rear axle that is where I have the space a washer can fit in...roughly a quarter of an inch. I will get exact measurements tomorrow. However, it seems that the cup size is still correct because I don't get any movement that way...it fits snug but it slides back and forth because of the width from cap-to-cap.
I used Spicer 5-160x U-joints. Outside to outside dimension: 4.188 inch
Bearing cup size: 1.188 inch.
They worked and fit perfectly on drive shaft. When I put the u-joint into the yoke in the rear axle that is where I have the space a washer can fit in...roughly a quarter of an inch. I will get exact measurements tomorrow. However, it seems that the cup size is still correct because I don't get any movement that way...it fits snug but it slides back and forth because of the width from cap-to-cap.
Trending Topics
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,581
Likes: 5,613
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
i think this is going to be one of those deals where you need to go to a ford parts counter with your vin to get the proper parts.
auto store counter monkey are only as good as the info they put into the computer, and 99.9% of the time they enter the wrong info so you end up with the wrong parts.
i got so fed up with my driveshaft problems on my 02 that i went to ford and spent the $350 for a new rear driveshaft just to get rid of all the abortions the previous owner did to it.
auto store counter monkey are only as good as the info they put into the computer, and 99.9% of the time they enter the wrong info so you end up with the wrong parts.
i got so fed up with my driveshaft problems on my 02 that i went to ford and spent the $350 for a new rear driveshaft just to get rid of all the abortions the previous owner did to it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I finally figured out the issue. After getting under there and pulling the yoke and cleaning it thoroughly I realized the yoke was physically damaged. One of the ears that holds the universal in place was actually shaved off....exactly the width of two washers. So, the previous owner damaged the yoke and instead of getting a new one they simply welded washers to the universal joint. That is where my vibration was coming from. They didn't center it they put a washer on each side when both washers needed to be on a single side.
I didn't see it at first because of all the dirt and being under the truck on my back I couldn't look at the yoke at the correct angle to see that one of the nubs was sheared like that.
Solution: I just ordered a new yoke to replace the damaged one. I want to thank everyone that attempted to help me with the issue.
I didn't see it at first because of all the dirt and being under the truck on my back I couldn't look at the yoke at the correct angle to see that one of the nubs was sheared like that.
Solution: I just ordered a new yoke to replace the damaged one. I want to thank everyone that attempted to help me with the issue.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,581
Likes: 5,613
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
i hate when that happens.
that is why i replaced my driveshaft.
instead of fixing it properly they welded the universal caps to the shaft.
i think they got the wrong universals and could not be bothered getting the proper ones, so they used what they had and welded them in.
maybe our trucks both went to the same butcher in their former owners existence.
that is why i replaced my driveshaft.
instead of fixing it properly they welded the universal caps to the shaft.
i think they got the wrong universals and could not be bothered getting the proper ones, so they used what they had and welded them in.
maybe our trucks both went to the same butcher in their former owners existence.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,768
Likes: 58
From: East Tawas, MI
POG,
If there is a tag on your rear axle, do some research and see if it's the correct axle (not just ratio!!) Bet it's not.
If you read my last few posts on vibration, you'll find that I had an exact problem. Some genius even dropped a bead of weld in the yoke so the Ujoint wouldn't dick around and get off center. It ended up being overworked because of the fit and failed miserably. Took me forever to find it. (and a lot of bucks).
The correct fix is to pull the yoke and replace it. This will involve resetting the lash of the carrier to get it in spec. Sucks, but it's your only hope for a nights sleep. You can oversize this and undersize that but in the grand scheme of things, do it right and walk away. That joint has to be exactly centered or you'll end up trashing the entire rear driveline and could even crack your aluminum housings on the trans or tx case.
I would also replace the carrier bearing and race while at it. I guarantee they are toast or stale due to the hodgepodge from the past.
Need info PM me.
Denny
If there is a tag on your rear axle, do some research and see if it's the correct axle (not just ratio!!) Bet it's not.
If you read my last few posts on vibration, you'll find that I had an exact problem. Some genius even dropped a bead of weld in the yoke so the Ujoint wouldn't dick around and get off center. It ended up being overworked because of the fit and failed miserably. Took me forever to find it. (and a lot of bucks).
The correct fix is to pull the yoke and replace it. This will involve resetting the lash of the carrier to get it in spec. Sucks, but it's your only hope for a nights sleep. You can oversize this and undersize that but in the grand scheme of things, do it right and walk away. That joint has to be exactly centered or you'll end up trashing the entire rear driveline and could even crack your aluminum housings on the trans or tx case.
I would also replace the carrier bearing and race while at it. I guarantee they are toast or stale due to the hodgepodge from the past.
Need info PM me.
Denny
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
That is what I did. I looked up the tag an the rear end IS correct to the truck. The yoke was physically damaged so I ordered a new one from Ford.
I replaced all the universal joints, checked the drive shafts, replaced the carrier bearing, and bought the stuff to re-grease and re-seal the rear end. I hope everything will be good after I replace the yoke. If I have any problems I will definitely contact you. Thanks for the info!
I replaced all the universal joints, checked the drive shafts, replaced the carrier bearing, and bought the stuff to re-grease and re-seal the rear end. I hope everything will be good after I replace the yoke. If I have any problems I will definitely contact you. Thanks for the info!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
burnthelight88
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jan 30, 2018 11:40 AM
52' fordnut
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Sep 13, 2012 09:19 AM