Better u-joints?
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 550
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From: N. IL
Better u-joints?
I just replaced the rear u-joint on the rear driveshaft in the fall, maybe 10,000 miles ago and it is already giving me a vibration. The previous time was 9 months prior to that. I'm using Napa u-joints but I'm not impressed be them and they say they have no warranty of any sort on them. I don't think I'm overly hard on my truck I pull a trailer in the winter but I don't beat on it.
So i guess what I'm asking is who makes stronger, longer lasting u-joints? Thanks.
So i guess what I'm asking is who makes stronger, longer lasting u-joints? Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,938
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From: BC Canada
I like spicer.
But are you sure the driveshaft is not out of phase?
the driveline angle is okay?
no excessive slop anywhere, like slip joints, carrier bearings at either the diff or tranny?
Seems strange it keeps eating u-joints that quickly is why i ask.
But are you sure the driveshaft is not out of phase?
the driveline angle is okay?
no excessive slop anywhere, like slip joints, carrier bearings at either the diff or tranny?
Seems strange it keeps eating u-joints that quickly is why i ask.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
Id dare to bet, you have a vibration dampner towards the bottom of the shaft, near the differential. My truck is the sane body, (extended cab, short bed) And it had one, they wear out, and cause extra vibration, and wear out u joints. It brakes off easy enough, you end up setting it down on concrete, and then smacking the top of it with a hammer. It then splits into multiple pieces, and can be removed. Then you need to have the driveshaft re balanced, at your local driveline shop. I highly, highly reccomend spicer, non greasable u joints. They are what the oem joints were, and most people do not have issues for over 100k miles, and 7 or more years. They are an incredible joint. Normally a little pricey, in the 30+ dollar range, but you dont have to service them, ever, and they last longer then most any joint.
The vibration dampner went bad on my truck, and did the same as it sounds like yours has, assuming it has one.
The vibration dampner went bad on my truck, and did the same as it sounds like yours has, assuming it has one.
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 550
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From: N. IL
Thanks for all the replies. There is a vibration dampener on the back end of the shaft. The drive angle shouldn't have changed I don't have a lift or anything on the truck. As far as $30 for spicer u-joints that is fine because the napa ones are $25. I'll have to check into it a little more.
On a side note bigjake what motor do you have in your 76? I've got a 77 F-250 that I'm putting a cummins into.
On a side note bigjake what motor do you have in your 76? I've got a 77 F-250 that I'm putting a cummins into.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
Yeap, sounds very familiar. Get the vibration dampner off of the driveshaft, and then have it balanced. If your not comfortable doing that, have the driveshaft shop take the dampner off, but its pretty simple to remove. Your problem will go away, and even the napa u joints will last quite a bit longer then they just did.