Driveshaft U Joint

[rvisokey]

I have just gone through my 4th u-joint in 3 months. While I don't mind that much... It is getting a little ridiculous. Change u-joint, wheel, drive home, wheel, drive home, change u-joint, (repeat). It is ALWAYS the joint that connects the pinion to the rear driveshaft.

I still have the SY on a NP231 but it has never been an issue before. I took a quick 'eye-ball' look at the driveline angles and nothing looks twisted or bent.

I did replace the rear with a Checker brand u-joint rather than a Spicer brand. Do those Checker u-joints go bad that fast? Seems a little extreme to me! I am going to crawl underneath with a degree indicator and check angles. I don't have any drive-line vibes so I can't believe I would be far enough out to destroy the joint every 200 miles but who knows? I just need to make it last a few more months. Once the weather gets toasty, the jeep goes in the garage for a much needed tranny rebuild, TC rebuild and SYE install.

"Frustrated":mad:

I wish beer would fix this problem:D

[Steve]

Buy the spicer. Much better u-joint. My .02 ;) :D

[AZXJ]

SPRING WRAP is causing you to blow the cheap U joints !!! Your going to Need an SYE before long.. Are you spring under or spring over???

[Sedona Jeep School]

When I have a Jeep chewing up u-joints, it is usually the yoke, or often, just the strap. Since you aren't perceiving any vibes, that would be my assumption.

[rvisokey]

Spring under.

[4 Wheelers Supply]

When I have a Jeep chewing up u-joints, it is usually the yoke, or often, just the strap. Since you aren't perceiving any vibes, that would be my assumption.
x2:) Check the yoke for wear. Use Spicer u-joints and check the pinion angle.:)

[macinyart]

OK, trying to learn something here. What is "spring wrap"? Thanks.

[jeepboy]

I buy the U joints from AutoZone for $15 and it comes with a 1 year warranty. And YES they do stand by it even from offroading abuse. Dont ask how I know :rolleyes: :cool:

[4 Wheelers Supply]

We sell the American Made Dana Spicer u-joints for $12.98 ea. We also have a buy 2 get 1 free. TRAIL SPARES!!!!:)

[xFallen]

We sell the American Made Dana Spicer u-joints for $12.98 ea. We also have a buy 2 get 1 free. TRAIL SPARES!!!!:)

This is a great deal. And if you don't think you need them, think again. All it takes is one mis-step and that joint is toast. Ask me how I know. :rolleyes:

While you're at it get a pile of 5-760x and put them, a 36mm socket, breaker bar and a cheapo HF ball joint press so you can further save your sorry arses out on the trail when you break an axle u-joint. :D


Barry

[rvisokey]

I carry a spare and have already had to R&R the joint once on a trail this week. (insert big 'this sucks' and a few choice words here).

I checked TC and PINION angles and they are within 1deg so I can't figure that is an issue. I can believe axle-wrap but it's strange the it just 'started' all of a sudden. Never been an issue for 2 years. The ONLY thing I have changed on the rear is that I broke the straps a few times so I decided to drill the holes and use U-bolts on the pinion. I don't remember the Napa part for the ubolts but the they fit snug and there is absolutely no play. The ubolts have to be better than the straps... right?

I guess I am dommed to visit Simon and get a SYE + CV driveshaft (along with a few other needed parts). Question: If it is axle-wrap... what will a SYE do to keep the joints from failing?

[rvisokey]

I buy the U joints from AutoZone for $15 and it comes with a 1 year warranty. And YES they do stand by it even from offroading abuse. Dont ask how I know :rolleyes: :cool:

I have the same-type joints from Checker but the guys are the store are getting a little tired of me showing up every 2 weeks with another blown joint.

[macinyart]

rvisockey
Based on our conversation out in the Coves area, I bought a set of NAPA U-bolts, but haven't installed them yet. I will wait to do that now until I see how this thread resolves. I, like you, can't see how that would make difference, but the straps on my YJ are still intact. Color me "watching eagerly". Thanks.

[Sedona Jeep School]

OK, trying to learn something here. What is "spring wrap"? Thanks.
Three possible definitions:

1. Asian finger food

2. Flowery paper for wrapping gifts

3. The process of your leaf springs curving into an "S" shape when your driveline is under torque. Your driveshaft turns to the right, which will pull the whole Jeep towards your right rear on a take off, the axle wants to turn up, and the tire wants to stick to the ground, and the stress has to go somewhere.

Happy trails!

[macinyart]

All is clear now. Thanks to Nena's witty and complete reply along with this link: http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/susp/axlewrap/ sent to me by rvisokey. Very helpful with pictures and all. I've learned more watching these threads in the past couple of months than I would have believed. So the U-bolt straps can be changed, it seems that this is not the problem at all, but may be more related to driving habits?