I need better u-joints
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 499
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From: southeat Ga.
I need better u-joints
I've changed all the u-joints in my rear drive shaft but already need a new one. What is a good heavy duty joint that I get to replace the factory stuff and where do you get them? I have the six speed tranny but am not a rough driver ad don't really put a heavy load behind the truck very often so I think I should get more than a year out of the u-joints. Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I've changed all the u-joints in my rear drive shaft but already need a new one. What is a good heavy duty joint that I get to replace the factory stuff and where do you get them? I have the six speed tranny but am not a rough driver ad don't really put a heavy load behind the truck very often so I think I should get more than a year out of the u-joints. Thanks.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 499
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From: southeat Ga.
I've always changed my own u-joints and had no problems with it. Didn't know there was a wrong way.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
You could get a needle it the bottom of the cup but you might not be able to get the snap ring on. Probably defective.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,168
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From: San Ramon Ca.
What happens is that the caps are pressed or pounded to tight to the end of the joint. Causes premature wear. I don't even fool with them anymore unless it's an emergency. As stated above if you lose a needle same thing happens. You are using grease-able u-joints I hope. If not, go in that direction and keep em greased.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: southeat Ga.
I've just used factory replacement joints until now. I used to have a problem with the rear u-joint on my Jeep but I snatched the gears pretty good in it. I replaced the factory stuff with Spicer units and didn't have anymore problems. Just wanted to see if anybody used the Spicers on a Super duty.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
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From: BC Canada
It is also really important you drive shaft is put together in the correct alignment. I agree to tight, not enough grease, but if its out 1/4 turn at 1 joint, you will have severe balance issues and should notice it when driving? Just a thought. I have not ever done a ujoint on a SD and I have a total of 170k miles on two so far. So, it seems strange you have lost several. On older trucks I have used a greese pencil to run alignment marks through everything taken apart. If you are out now, it might be good to have a picture from one which has not been taken apart? Just some thoughts.
