Installing U-Joints
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Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Augusta.GA
Installing U-Joints
I'm stumped after an aggravating several hours trying to install my a u-joint.
I got in a retaining clip on one side but couldn't get the other one in all the way though. I tapped increasingly harder, eventually putting enough pressure on the opposite clip to warp it but never getting the bearing cap in far enough to fit the other retainer. It looks shy by the depth of two retainer widths.
I've tried a big shop vise, c-clamps using washers for spacers but it just won't go in any further. Autozone has two types both measure same length but couldn't compare them to the original Spicer cause I've trashed the old caps.
Help please!
I got in a retaining clip on one side but couldn't get the other one in all the way though. I tapped increasingly harder, eventually putting enough pressure on the opposite clip to warp it but never getting the bearing cap in far enough to fit the other retainer. It looks shy by the depth of two retainer widths.
I've tried a big shop vise, c-clamps using washers for spacers but it just won't go in any further. Autozone has two types both measure same length but couldn't compare them to the original Spicer cause I've trashed the old caps.
Help please!
Last edited by crawlfish; Mar 18, 2006 at 07:50 PM. Reason: wordy
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From: Augusta.GA
It's too late to check now, since I've since returned the part. It briefly crossed my mind but now that you mention it I'm giving more credence to it. Joint was so hard to get out that I wouldn't have been sure that I didn't drop one during removal.
To be sure, I'll press them in together using a big c-clamp or vise to prevent knocking the rods loose from tapping.
To be sure, I'll press them in together using a big c-clamp or vise to prevent knocking the rods loose from tapping.
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From: Augusta.GA
u-joint woes
Well, that's what I'm trying to find out. Originally, I took the part because the crew cab and extended cap models regardless of axle (Dana 60 or 61) used the same part. Mine's a '79 F250 Super Cab, and they didn't show it under Super Cab.
After returning it, I caliper measured the original Spicer joint (without the caps)and the new part (without caps). They're the same.
Calipering showed an outside measurements between the two caps to be somewhat different from the two types they had, but pushing the caps on the wider one brought it into the same measure.
After returning it, I caliper measured the original Spicer joint (without the caps)and the new part (without caps). They're the same.
Calipering showed an outside measurements between the two caps to be somewhat different from the two types they had, but pushing the caps on the wider one brought it into the same measure.
Last edited by crawlfish; Mar 19, 2006 at 08:44 AM. Reason: mispelling and quote maybe not pertinent to question
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From: Augusta.GA
Vexed by U-joint should I take it to a specialist?
Need advice on how to resolve my u-joint issue. Hate to take it to someone if I can do it myself, but I am short on solutions.
Couldn't find any specs on the ear dimensions so I can't confirm that's the problem and don't want to try another joint until I know what's up.
Please help! Thanks!
Couldn't find any specs on the ear dimensions so I can't confirm that's the problem and don't want to try another joint until I know what's up.
Please help! Thanks!
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I replaced my u joints a few weeks ago. My first one went in well, but the other was a pain. One of the needles got loose and went to the bottom, and experienced what you have. I also couldnt move the other part of the + up and down, or it was TIGHT, and you should if everything is fine. I had to go back to advaced auto parts and he gave me the wrong u joint...nothing can ever go smoothly w/ me
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Somewhere Saskatchewan
If the old joint was difficult removing the cup retainers are probably squeezed together a bit.
Clamp everything in a vice as you are doing.
Then smack the retainer with a punch and hammer.
This will force it out enough to install the clips.
Clamp everything in a vice as you are doing.
Then smack the retainer with a punch and hammer.
This will force it out enough to install the clips.
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Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Augusta.GA
Thanks for replying, guys. I don't know if I dropped a pin in the bottom or not... could have. I think I do have the "ears" squeezed a bit. Maybe before me cause the joint was tight to begin with.
stuart1, when you talk about smacking the retainer, your talking one of the yoke ears, if i have my terminology right? two holding (retainer) the joint cups? I don't mean to be questionable, but if so, I can't picture I can produce enough force to move one out the width of a clip ... it's pretty sturdy frame of steel. I will try it though if we're talking same thing.
stuart1, when you talk about smacking the retainer, your talking one of the yoke ears, if i have my terminology right? two holding (retainer) the joint cups? I don't mean to be questionable, but if so, I can't picture I can produce enough force to move one out the width of a clip ... it's pretty sturdy frame of steel. I will try it though if we're talking same thing.
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From: Augusta.GA
Ok. This hasn't been one of my better stories.
I had to dig deep in my bucket of patience for this job. I've retried the installation, and same result... far too tight. Got a large threaded rod and two nuts and tried to separate the ears. bent the rod in the process. Reinstalled. Still too tight... this time I was very meticulous and slowly squeezed the caps in place. had to use pick tools to push pins in place during the install. Now it feels better but is still somewhat tight in there hope it's ok.
I had to dig deep in my bucket of patience for this job. I've retried the installation, and same result... far too tight. Got a large threaded rod and two nuts and tried to separate the ears. bent the rod in the process. Reinstalled. Still too tight... this time I was very meticulous and slowly squeezed the caps in place. had to use pick tools to push pins in place during the install. Now it feels better but is still somewhat tight in there hope it's ok.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Somewhere Saskatchewan
Originally Posted by crawlfish
Thanks for replying, guys. I don't know if I dropped a pin in the bottom or not... could have. I think I do have the "ears" squeezed a bit. Maybe before me cause the joint was tight to begin with.
stuart1, when you talk about smacking the retainer, your talking one of the yoke ears, if i have my terminology right? two holding (retainer) the joint cups? I don't mean to be questionable, but if so, I can't picture I can produce enough force to move one out the width of a clip ... it's pretty sturdy frame of steel. I will try it though if we're talking same thing.
stuart1, when you talk about smacking the retainer, your talking one of the yoke ears, if i have my terminology right? two holding (retainer) the joint cups? I don't mean to be questionable, but if so, I can't picture I can produce enough force to move one out the width of a clip ... it's pretty sturdy frame of steel. I will try it though if we're talking same thing.
Use a BFH for the chore and put some weight behind it.
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From: Augusta.GA
I've got the one in now and worked on the other u-joint. Got the removal part down now using a 6" c-clamp and socket over the opposite side to push the cap into it.
The install is another matter. I can't believe that I'm messing up the cup holders during the removal, but the joints are too tight to get the retaining clip in. It requires alot of force and the + is tight. Is tight ok? what's up with this?
The install is another matter. I can't believe that I'm messing up the cup holders during the removal, but the joints are too tight to get the retaining clip in. It requires alot of force and the + is tight. Is tight ok? what's up with this?
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After you have installed the caps on each side, put the cross bars of the + onto a vise and smack the cap with a hammer, then flip 180 and repeat. This will in effect center the + in the caps and allow free and easy movement.