tips for installing u-joints?

[Phx Cobra]

Any tips for installing new U-joints on a Dana30? found out today that mine is shot and the cap is off the one side.(no wonder I got vibes) Got a few replacements at 4wheelers and going to install them tomorrow. Seems pretty straight forward, unless there is something im missing. Any tools that make it easier?

[GLEN REAMS]

you need a 8mm wrench thats about it. its pretty straight forward so do it today!

[Phx Cobra]

you need a 8mm wrench thats about it. its pretty straight forward so do it today!

Its the axle one, so I don't think it has any bolts on it, once the shaft is off. Just remove the clips, pound it and remove the caps, then take the old one out, and reverse process and put the new one in. Missing anything?

[GLEN REAMS]

http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/axle/ujoint/

[GLEN REAMS]

that should help!

[Markos]

Do you have a torque wrench capable of handling 175 ft lbs? If not, you need to get one, or keep the axle attached to the hub...

[danno]

Thats pretty much it... Sometimes if the Joints and Shafts are pretty old, getting the caps to come out of the shaft ears can be pretty tough... I actually broke a vise one time trying to press the joints out.

Also, be aware that you can bend the ears of the shaft if you apply too much pressure.

[Phx Cobra]

Do you have a torque wrench capable of handling 175 ft lbs? If not, you need to get one, or keep the axle attached to the hub...

I was just planning on leaving it on the Hub, should be able to get into it without removing it.

[Antman]

Check out http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/ujoint1/u-joint-1.htm

I use PB Blaster on the stubborn caps. Also I used the HF 12V impact wrench
to get the axle nuts off after using PB Blaster on them.

In Moab last year we broke a Craftsman breaker bar trying to get the 36MM axle nuts off!
While I was gone looking for another, someone picked up my HF 12V impact and took them off!:eek:

GL :D

[jeff krause]

DO YOURSELF A BIG FAVOR AND DO NOT USE A PRESS ON THE AXLE SHAFT U JOINT EARS.. YOU WILL BEND THEM .... TRUST ME I KNOW.....

Todd over at Desert Fab has a great way of doing this with a vise and a hammer... the hit/shock pops um right out

[jeff krause]

Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff krause
Is this a viable way to get the remaining Ujoints outta the ears ??? On am I just going to be flailing away ????

http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/axle/ujoint/

jeff

And anyone have an idea as to the "trick" that Todds talking about ????? Save me the trip to AJ !!!!


That is the trick! This method always seems to work, just make sure you have a good vise and good hammer. OH YEA good aim
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[LOST TJ]

Jeff Stewart (TWSTDTJ) did mine in a press and had no problems. Didn't bend the ears. Made short work of it too. Went quick. I do have one of those small ujoint tools like on stus site if you want to borrow it. It is a pain in the asss to use if you have no vice though.

[Phx Cobra]

Jeff Stewart (TWSTDTJ) did mine in a press and had no problems. Didn't bend the ears. Made short work of it too. Went quick. I do have one of those small ujoint tools like on stus site if you want to borrow it. It is a pain in the asss to use if you have no vice though.

I have a vice, and I may just go and pick one up at HF, and try it out.
Thanks for the offer though, and I will get back to you on that skid soon.

[jeff krause]

Just letting you know that I bent the ears on a Dana 44 axle shaft because of the C clamp thing

[cptmax]

I have done MANY ujoint replacements on my YJ and it's pretty easy now! All I use are a hammer and 1/2 inch deep well socket (that you can ruin!). I'll PM you.

[Tom Jacobson]

The only time I had trouble with the press thingy is when we were working on Jeff's D44 shafts. I don't have a vice, so the thing is a little cumbersome, but it's worked for me a couple times and a friend also picked one up recently and works great for him.

That said, last time I had to assemble new shafts, I just used a hammer and sockets...why? Actually thought it was quicker than the press. Took longer to seat the full circle clips than to get the ujoint itself installed!

Tom

[Phx Cobra]

That said, last time I had to assemble new shafts, I just used a hammer and sockets...why? Actually thought it was quicker than the press. Took longer to seat the full circle clips than to get the ujoint itself installed!

Tom

That seems like the easiest way to do it... I will try that first.

[Lonnie]

A big X2 on the PB Blaster, really helps get those out. We ended up bending the ears on one before we got a can of that liquid gold. Spray it let it soak for a few and have at it, with either the HF press or socket and bfh, both works to varing degrees of difficulty..

[Antman]

Just letting you know that I bent the ears on a Dana 44 axle shaft because of the C clamp thing

Jeff the trick with the C clamp is put pressure on the cap and then tap the end of the shaft or bolt that goes through the C clamp.
Then as it gives just reapply more pressure and tap, repeating until it comes loose.

I usually clamp the tool in my vise on my bench and the align the axle joint up and tighten the bolt and proceed with the pressure
and tap method. Doesn't take much to get it started. Just be sure to use some PBBlast.:)

[Phx Cobra]

OK so got it off, looks like it hollowed out the ear on the shaft, sooo...anyone got a D30 passenger side shaft they wanna sell?? If not I might be calling around tomorrow to see how has a set of AlloyUSA shafts in stock :cool:
Maybe that upgrade is happening sooner then I wanted...

[Antman]

OK so got it off, looks like it hollowed out the ear on the shaft, sooo...anyone got a D30 passenger side shaft they wanna sell?? If not I might be calling around tomorrow to see how has a set of AlloyUSA shafts in stock :cool:
Maybe that upgrade is happening sooner then I wanted...

Call Simon or Cole at 4 Wheeler's.

[twstdtj]

Ben,

You can still use that one as a spare. We can tack weld the caps after you put it together.

Jeff

[jeff krause]

you guys change um out whatever way you want ... I'll use the method that Todd told me about.. not issues even with a stubborn old u joint ~!

[Phx Cobra]

Ben,

You can still use that one as a spare. We can tack weld the caps after you put it together.

Jeff

Looks like I will have to do that, I tried all the different methods last night to get the old joint out, but its being real stubborn, I will try again tonight after the PBB has had time to sit in over night and today.

I did PM 4wheelers for a price on some AlloyUSAs, so hopefully I can get those in here in the next couple days.(Friday is payday :D )

[4 Wheelers Supply]

PM sent.:)

[Phx Cobra]

Got the alloy shafts in tonight finally(was in CA all weekend), wobble from the Ujoint is fixed, and all is well. Thanks a Ton to Simon and 4wheelers for having the stuff I needed and ready the next morning! :)

Next I need to get a new skid on there so I can get rid of the damn vibes from the giant U-shape that is my stock belly skid:rolleyes:
Maybe a tummy tuck is in order :D

[Wayco]

Hey Ben, I would recommend the Nth degree T-case skid, but the 4 Wheelers new skid looks great too. Might save you a few bucks too, don't know what they priced it at. :confused:

[Mike McGreevy]

ya take it to the shop to do...is easiest way I have found:D

[Mach04TJ]

I've got a free stock one in my garage if you want it.