Notices
Excursion - King of SUVs 2000 - 2005 Ford Excursion
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

having issues replacing front axle u joints

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 23, 2021 | 05:48 AM
  #1  
crashed_edition's Avatar
crashed_edition
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 76
Likes: 16
From: south arkansas, also sw l
having issues replacing front axle u joints

Finally getting around to rebuilding my front axle. I bought a kit from venture truck parts and they sent Spicer 25-332x u joints. Problem is it won't fit into any of the yokes.

Is this the right part number? Maybe I'm just trying to put it in wrong. I removed the old ones with a hammer by beating on the yoke, not with a press. And I didn't beat the yoke on the ears, so I don't think I compressed the ears.
 
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2021 | 07:57 AM
  #2  
bajaphile's Avatar
bajaphile
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 893
Likes: 255
From: San Diego, CA
These are the Spicer U-joints I have listed for replacement for the front axles.
Spicer SPL55-3X
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=2392&jsn=1821

Did you measure the old ones vs the new ones?
 
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2021 | 08:21 AM
  #3  
crashed_edition's Avatar
crashed_edition
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 76
Likes: 16
From: south arkansas, also sw l
Here's the specs on the ones I have.... im not hoke this morning to put a tape on them. But the specs are the same I think?

https://www.danaaftermarket.com/spic...&partType=PART
 
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2021 | 07:41 AM
  #4  
bajaphile's Avatar
bajaphile
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 893
Likes: 255
From: San Diego, CA
Yep, 3" across (end to end) and 1.375" bearing cap diameter... Those are the critical dimensions. Should work.

When you say you can't install them...what is the issue? Are the bearing caps not going into the yoke holes? Did you try steel wool the inside of the holes first to get any crud out?

I've luckily had a hydraulic press for the last 15 years for this type of work. I remember doing u-joints once prior with a hammer and vice and don't remember it being an enjoyable experience...
 
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2021 | 08:16 AM
  #5  
Dweber85rc's Avatar
Dweber85rc
Fleet Mechanic
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 164
A press is way better than beating them in. But even a large bench vise or large c clamp are better than beating
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2021 | 02:50 PM
  #6  
crashed_edition's Avatar
crashed_edition
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 76
Likes: 16
From: south arkansas, also sw l
Definitely user error. I didn't realize the bearing cap gaskets came off also, not just the cap. much simpler after figuring this out. I hadn't used these types before.

I've always hammered u joints and caps. Mainly because I was a service mechanic that worked on the side of road under trucks. But that's been 10 years ago, I'm slowly getting back into my groove

Biggest key is cleaning the holes really good with a pick or wire brush, brake clean it, then rub a little grease in all the holes.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
VROD
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
6
Jun 21, 2015 08:36 AM
madMatador78
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Jan 12, 2014 05:47 AM
jlansaw
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
5
Sep 4, 2010 10:57 PM
shade1965
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Mar 4, 2010 06:12 PM
96bronco58
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
4
Oct 2, 2003 05:55 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:04 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-3
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-7
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE