rear u-joint trouble.. any solutions?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 190
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rear u-joint trouble.. any solutions?
I recently (about 6 weeks ago) replaced the rear u-joint on my '90 F150/351W/E4OD. Woe be to me, I didn't adequately lubricate it, and it ate through one of the bearing cups, and into the yoke on the front of the differential (the one bolted to the pinion gear), right before giving out on me yesterday. I replaced it, and made sure to grease the heck out of it. In the interest of safety, I am considering replacing the yoke, as well. Is this necessary? It ate about 1/8-3/16" into the yoke; I did replace the u-bolts that hold the u-joint onto the yoke, as it ate into one of those, too.
Also, if replacement is necessary, will I need a new crush sleeve, and/or need the rearend set-up (pinion depth, etc.) again ($$$), or can I just remove the pinion bolt, swap the yoke, and replace the pinion, tightening to the required torque?
Thanks for any help!!
Chuck
Also, if replacement is necessary, will I need a new crush sleeve, and/or need the rearend set-up (pinion depth, etc.) again ($$$), or can I just remove the pinion bolt, swap the yoke, and replace the pinion, tightening to the required torque?
Thanks for any help!!
Chuck
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 92
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rear u-joint trouble.. any solutions?
I would say it all depends if the u-joint cap is seated correctly in yoke and is secure.An 1/8 or 3/16 doesnt sound to bad but without seeing it,I'd say run it.If you feel better about replacing the yoke just feel the play in it and use 1/2 in. impact and swap them out.Tighten down yoke a little at a time while checking play and when you got it SNUG,not tight then leave it.You dont want to be able to slide yoke at all and you want some resistance while turning it w/the tires off the ground and in nuetral.Good luck
