universal joint replacement?

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Dec 17, 2007 | 04:57 PM

chrisf250-460

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universal joint replacement?

hello all. i was thinking it was time to replace my universal joint. my truck is a 98 f150 4x4 ,5.4 ,auto, it has 165000 on it.there is no problem now.is it time to replace or is it ..if it aint broke dont fix it...? if i do need to replace do i need a press to get them out?

Dec 17, 2007 | 06:41 PM

Bobby82490

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From: N. Fort Myers,FL

I would at least check them to see if they are starting to seize up. If you unbolt the ujoint flange from the rear axle, then you should be able to see if they are starting to seize.

Dec 17, 2007 | 08:35 PM

steve(ill)

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would be good preventative maint to do this. i bought a truck with 125,000 miles and thought i would do it then, checked and they had just been done (rears).. i have heard most are very difficult to get out and need a ball joint press or floor press. in the old days you could use a c-clamp, but these are normally tighter.

Dec 18, 2007 | 09:14 AM

couleeman

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From: Magrath

I have done mine twice (trying to solve a noise). First time I just let u-joints soak in penatrating fluid over night (can't remember what stuff I used). Came out fairly easy with a hammer, vise. Second time they came out easy as well, but I put anti-seize when I put the first set back in.

Just a note, I have 150000 miles on mine and they didn't seam worn, but you could tell the difference once the new one was on.