Middle U-Joint on the TTB.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 36
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From: North Bay Canada
Middle U-Joint on the TTB.
I have done the search and cannot find what I am looking for.
I have a 1988 with an Automatic, changed the auto hubs to manuals, changed the wheel bearings and outer u-joints at the same time.
Problem is the third(middle) u-joint was not changed. The outer ones were ceased, but the middle one seemed fine at the time. The problem is now I have a lot of vibration in the front end in 4wd. I think it is this u-joint.
So here is the question. Can I change the u-joint without taking the whole front end apart? I was just thinking of using a gear puller or strong c-clamp to push out the u-joint while the axle was still in place. I think there is enough room up there, but not sure if anyone has done this in the past.
I am very comfortable changing u-joints as I do the drive shafts once a year whether they need them or not.
K
I have a 1988 with an Automatic, changed the auto hubs to manuals, changed the wheel bearings and outer u-joints at the same time.
Problem is the third(middle) u-joint was not changed. The outer ones were ceased, but the middle one seemed fine at the time. The problem is now I have a lot of vibration in the front end in 4wd. I think it is this u-joint.
So here is the question. Can I change the u-joint without taking the whole front end apart? I was just thinking of using a gear puller or strong c-clamp to push out the u-joint while the axle was still in place. I think there is enough room up there, but not sure if anyone has done this in the past.
I am very comfortable changing u-joints as I do the drive shafts once a year whether they need them or not.
K
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 450
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From: Charter Oak, Iowa
Middle U-Joint on the TTB.
BigGuy,
I had one mechanic tell me that he could replace this U-joint in place. Not sure how he did it but it must be possible. I just got done changing mine but then I had the entire front end tore apart anyhow. In reference to the vibration that you are noticing. When the outer U-joints were replaced was the outer shaft on the passenger side reinstalled so the two U-joints were "timed"? Chiltons says there is a missing spline arrangement so the two shaft halves can go together only one way. On my truck this was not the case and the shafts could be reinstalled at whichever way. Two U-joints out of "time" can cause a vibration that you are talking about. To illustrate I suggest you look at your rear driveshaft and take note of how the joints are lined up here then compare this to your passenger side shaft. If the orientation of the joints is not the same then this is what your vibration is all about.
I had one mechanic tell me that he could replace this U-joint in place. Not sure how he did it but it must be possible. I just got done changing mine but then I had the entire front end tore apart anyhow. In reference to the vibration that you are noticing. When the outer U-joints were replaced was the outer shaft on the passenger side reinstalled so the two U-joints were "timed"? Chiltons says there is a missing spline arrangement so the two shaft halves can go together only one way. On my truck this was not the case and the shafts could be reinstalled at whichever way. Two U-joints out of "time" can cause a vibration that you are talking about. To illustrate I suggest you look at your rear driveshaft and take note of how the joints are lined up here then compare this to your passenger side shaft. If the orientation of the joints is not the same then this is what your vibration is all about.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: North Bay Canada
Middle U-Joint on the TTB.
Incase anyone was wondering, besides me, you can change the middle axle u-joint in place. Heat and a piston jack work great. Just heat up the end that is coming out of the diff, then just rotate the shaft use the jack to apply some pressure on the outer shaft and wala, the cap will pop right out.
I needed to remove the whole wheel assembly, so I could get the outer shaft out just a bit to get the new u-joint back in. Next just use the jack to press the new cups back in.
Only took me about 2 hours to do, start to finish. This also included clean up time.(I could do this in about 1 hour if I started with the tourch instead of the hammer)
K
I needed to remove the whole wheel assembly, so I could get the outer shaft out just a bit to get the new u-joint back in. Next just use the jack to press the new cups back in.
Only took me about 2 hours to do, start to finish. This also included clean up time.(I could do this in about 1 hour if I started with the tourch instead of the hammer)
K
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: North Bay Canada
Middle U-Joint on the TTB.
>Congrats BigGuy,
>
>Now I'll know it can be done and how to do it. Is the
>vibration gone?
>
>Randy
Yeah, 99% gone. The rest can wait until the summer and hopefully a full front end rebuild.(seals and gears)
Keeping the TTB and proud of it.
K
>
>Now I'll know it can be done and how to do it. Is the
>vibration gone?
>
>Randy
Yeah, 99% gone. The rest can wait until the summer and hopefully a full front end rebuild.(seals and gears)
Keeping the TTB and proud of it.
K
