Anyone experience long u-joints?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 380
Likes: 3
From: Denver, PA
Anyone experience long u-joints?
After putting in new u-joints on my '89 2.3/5 spd, 4x4, x-cab I had a severe vibration starting around 40mph. I decided to disassemble the new u-joints, clean things back up and try it again. I have noticed that I am not getting the retainer clip in the groove properly. After closer inspection it looks as though the u-joint cross width seems to be about a 1/64" too wide. If I press it the other side clip pushes out in the middle. Are there varying widths? I cannot imagine that small of a difference but i'm just wondering. These are Neapco Brute Force u-joints. Has anyone experienced this too long situation with u-joints?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 970
Likes: 3
Chances are you pushed the yoke together removing the old joints. Put a socket against each bearing cup with them installed on the cross and in the shaft. With the sockets clamped between vice jaws and the shaft suspended take a fairly heavy punch and drive the yoke to one side. Install that clip and repeat, this second side will take a bit more effort. kotzy
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 380
Likes: 3
From: Denver, PA
Kotzy,
So you say to put a socket against each cup supposedly without the retainer and suspend the driveshaft. If I use a punch and drive it to one side it should be fairly easy. Why not already install on clip ahead of time on one side? I guess I’m not following this entirely. Are you basically using the punch and from the inside opening of the yoke you are trying to bend it outward until there is room to fit the retainer in the groove?
The needles are in place. I pulled the caps off numerous times to verify after the clip would not fit in the groove.
Thanks,
So you say to put a socket against each cup supposedly without the retainer and suspend the driveshaft. If I use a punch and drive it to one side it should be fairly easy. Why not already install on clip ahead of time on one side? I guess I’m not following this entirely. Are you basically using the punch and from the inside opening of the yoke you are trying to bend it outward until there is room to fit the retainer in the groove?
The needles are in place. I pulled the caps off numerous times to verify after the clip would not fit in the groove.
Thanks,
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 970
Likes: 3
Sorry I was thinking the clip was on the inside of the cup but you are correct with the outside retainers and yes you are spreading the yoke. You can install one side. This distorting happens quite often when removing the joint. Kotzy
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 8
Yes it is true that you can distort the yoke when removing u-joints and such but also true about problems with the u-joints you are using. I've had and seen similar issues with Brute Force joints not fitting, being too long or cups the improper size. I returned the joint and either went with a dealer item ($$$), spicer, or some other brand and installed with no problems. If you still have the old joint you may want to measure it to see if the joint is at fault before you try spreading any yokes.
Matt
Matt
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
93f250tn
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Aug 8, 2014 02:58 PM
johnsonacres
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jan 17, 2004 02:11 AM
