Getting ready to change u-joints in my truck, don't much want to pay two arms and a leg, would probably pay an arm and half a leg. Having trouble finding ujoints for my application, seem to have one and not the other. Also, they appear to measure differently. Anyone got a line on reputable manufacturer I can cross-reference measurements with?

 

I just bought u-joints for my 71 Oldsmobile 98 from my local parts store. Multiple part numbers were listed but I knew I needed u-joints for a 3 joint driveshaft. IMHO, it's worth paying a little bit extra to get a lifetime warranty. If the auto parts store was able to get u-joints for my Olds from their warehouse, then the u-joints for your truck should be on the shelf.

 

They have the rear, but not the front, I have to do more digging. I guess what I should have asked is if there as a company who's known for quality.

 

Spicer/Dana and Moog.

 

Way to pick all the expensive ones. I saw some dana's at the parts house, mucho blingo. Will see if I can find a website with specs or a crossreference number, same with moog. Thanks.

 

I wasn't offended by the Duralast U-joints I've used over the years.

 

I've had spotty results with duralast and tend to avoid in, but if that's what I find in my size I'll do it for now, bet they are more affordable than the dana/spicer. I manage to drop one of my caps, but I ended up with the loose needle bearings stuck to my other hand, so I got them all, got some crusties in there though. Thinking about an acetone wash and some fresh grease and slapping them back on for now. Don't know that there was anything wrong with them, just figured everything I replace Is going to be new and I know when it was serviced last.

 

Bearings & U-joints and stuff like that are like a box of chocolates these days - never know what you're gonna get. Might be good stuff, might not. Ask a local repair shop who they buy from or what they recommend. They have to source good stuff, or they get warranty call backs, and they don't like that.

Or, armed with good Ford part #s - buy NOS Motorcraft off the Bay that is E.

 

Don't know of any repair shops or anyone who uses them, mostly good ol' boys around here. I do the eBay most vigorously thought. I don't know the ups man but he drops packages off here or the neighbors house with religious dedication.

 

Moog has never let me down. Its worth the extra few$. I hate doing u-joints!

 

Moog has turned into absolute junk lately. They moved their production out of the states and the quality has gone down (just like optima batteries). Last Moog u joint I used had a grease fitting in the cap. Snapped the u joint the same day at that cap. Last ball joints I did the upper and lowers were different brands. The moogs went bad before the cheap mevotech ones did.

For u joints I use nothing but neapco. The driveshaft shop here uses nothing but neapco as well. If neapco isn't available maybe go for a Dana or Spicer one. What's 10$ more for a u joint when it'll last way longer and not leave you stranded.

 

Moog is not much more than a name these days. (previously were top shelf), I have always used NAPA's, The trouble I have ran into a couple of times is that there were so many joints used on Ford trucks, I like to remove my old ones and take them to the store to match then up. Maybe it's just the guys behind the counter or their system but this way I get the right one the first time. I keep my trucks until there isn't much left. I have never had to replace U-joints a second if that is worth anything!

 

I know NAPA deals in SKF bearings and
u joints and I’ve never had any issues with them. They all should have SKF application lookup catalogues with drivetrain layouts so you pick the one that you need.

 

I haven't gotten back around to the u joint issue yet, been trying to get the heater vent duct work off the firewall. Will look to see what NAPA has when I find time. I always forget about them.