U-Joints

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Jul 28, 2010 | 06:55 AM

Kruse

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 1,529

Likes: 35

From: Kansas

U-Joints

I changed u-joints on the '94 2WD extended last night. For a couple of weeks, I had heard the "click" when you put it in gear and I knew what had to be done. 185K miles on the clock and all else looked good. Actually, I had been putting this off because Autozone's computer told their parts jockey that it took one of two sizes and he then asked me what size that it took. (Until you take it off, who knows?) Just on luck, I called a mom-and-pop place yesterday afternoon because I was going to bite the bullet and take home four u-joints and return the two that I didn't need. The parts man got out his book (YES! A genuine book!) and told me that all 2WD Aeros from '90-'95 take a single number. I was a little shocked, but he showed me the number right out of the book and I took two of them home. They were PRECISION branded and had "Made in USA" on the box and was also cast right in the u-joint cross. (A little note here. A lot of American-made u-joints are cast in China and finished in USA so they can put the "Made in USA" sticker on it) Hopefully, these are 100% American.
Anyway, no more clicks and I took it to 80 last night on a deserted section of highway with nothing but smooth sailing. I'm currently happy.

Jul 28, 2010 | 08:14 AM

VanGo

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 882

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From: Wichita

U-joints are often neglected. I have changed some where the bearings were just dust.
The last job I did on my Suburban, I even took the driveshaft in to be rebalanced with the new joints.

Jul 28, 2010 | 10:14 AM

Pablo-UA

Post Fiend

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 5,242

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From: Kiev, Ukraine

yeah, usually if rear end of DS is not ballanced well, no notisible vibration, but short UJ life. Look for driveline shop to balance DS to zero. It may be bent. check for pinion play.