'92 Ranger bigger u-joint needed
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2000
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'92 Ranger bigger u-joint needed
We lifted my son's '92 2wd Ranger 4" and installed a TransGo shift kit. We've gone thru two drive shaft universal joints (the rear one) in two months. Normal (for a 19 year old male) driving habits. I think the combo of the hard shifting transmission and the lift are contributing to the problem.
Question: What is the biggest size u-joint we can use to replace the stock one?
Opinions needed: Best brand?
Need the u-joint asap! Thanks!
Question: What is the biggest size u-joint we can use to replace the stock one?
Opinions needed: Best brand?
Need the u-joint asap! Thanks!
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,746
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From: PNW
'92 Ranger bigger u-joint needed
Don't know about bigger u-joints but see if your driveline is aligned properly and you might even want to have the driveshaft balanced. The lift could be aggravating a driveline problem that wasn't so bad prior to the lift. Also, you might want to look into getting the driveline angle down to a more u-joint friendly angle (not sure exactly how to do that). Lastly, try going to a better quality u-joint if you can't get a bigger u-joint. Good luck.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2000
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'92 Ranger bigger u-joint needed
Thanks, Mikeman
We were very careful about the alignment the last time we took down the driveshaft. I'm taking it off today, and taking it to get balanced is a good idea. The Ford Dealership nearby couldnt help me with a bigger u-joint, but I went ahead and bought a "Ford" product anyways. Gotta be better than the "whatzit brothers" u-joint we bought at the local discount auto parts. We found a shop a little ways away that specializes in driveshafts and Dana/Spicer u-joints. They said by phone that they can build us what we need...Thanks again for the reply
We were very careful about the alignment the last time we took down the driveshaft. I'm taking it off today, and taking it to get balanced is a good idea. The Ford Dealership nearby couldnt help me with a bigger u-joint, but I went ahead and bought a "Ford" product anyways. Gotta be better than the "whatzit brothers" u-joint we bought at the local discount auto parts. We found a shop a little ways away that specializes in driveshafts and Dana/Spicer u-joints. They said by phone that they can build us what we need...Thanks again for the reply
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
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'92 Ranger bigger u-joint needed
Well, you can't put any "bigger" joints unless you have a new shaft made with 1310 series joints(vs. the 1210's you have now),and buy a 1310 series trans yoke as well as a pinion yoke(or flange yokes if that is the OE design).The FORD joint you purchased is no doubt going to be a Spicer joint in the box,so, you should give it a chance to see what it does. Please grease thoroughly as the initial shot of grease that comes out of the rubber seal is only the shipping grease. You need to expel all the shipping grease out of all 4 caps,until the real grease comes out of all 4 caps. You could shim the rear end so the pinion yoke points a little closer to the front joint,but the back joint still needs a lil' angle.
Phillip
Phillip
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Joined: Apr 2000
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'92 Ranger bigger u-joint needed
Thanks for the info, Phillip...
I put in the ford u-joint yesterday and it certainly looks stronger than the cheap one we had in there (although looks can be deceiving). This u-joint was stamped "ford". It also is supposed to be a 'new generation' and does not have any zerks. It claims to be sealed and wont need to be regreased.... sure. Anyways we'll give it a try. Thanks for the info on the driveshaft and joint size. We're gonna try the driveshaft shop we found and probably go with a larger entire unit... thanks again
I put in the ford u-joint yesterday and it certainly looks stronger than the cheap one we had in there (although looks can be deceiving). This u-joint was stamped "ford". It also is supposed to be a 'new generation' and does not have any zerks. It claims to be sealed and wont need to be regreased.... sure. Anyways we'll give it a try. Thanks for the info on the driveshaft and joint size. We're gonna try the driveshaft shop we found and probably go with a larger entire unit... thanks again
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Joined: Oct 2000
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'92 Ranger bigger u-joint needed
I lifted my 88 Ranger 4 inches also, and had the same problem. Is yours an extended cab? If so it also has a center support bearing, with a bracket that supports it. I cut away a peice of the bracket and had a welding shop add a peice which lowered where the support bearing sits, removing the steep angle on the drive shaft, which is what is no doubt eating up your u-joints......
the other fixes are going to the lager tube to hold the larger u-joint,....
Have a new one piece shaft made up elliminating the center support bearing, if so I would go to a larger drive shaft at that time......
and the third suggestion made to me was CV joint, which support more of an angle.
Good luck.......Steve
the other fixes are going to the lager tube to hold the larger u-joint,....
Have a new one piece shaft made up elliminating the center support bearing, if so I would go to a larger drive shaft at that time......
and the third suggestion made to me was CV joint, which support more of an angle.
Good luck.......Steve
