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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Topic started by: CruzinHigh on November 02, 2008, 01:25:57 pm

Title: How to service front driveshaft U-joints?
Post by: CruzinHigh on November 02, 2008, 01:25:57 pm

The front one that joins to the diff seems easy enough.   But what about those back ones that mate up to the transfer case?  I guess they're ok, but I assume they're the originals and I'd like to get new ones just for safety sake since I am going through the entire driveline.

I should also add that this is an NP 208C

Also, do you need to index the front properly?  I forgot to mark it before taking apart on the front, DOOH!!  :-\


(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/Highpsi/K-10%20Truck/Driveline/Joints.jpg)

Title: Re: How to service front driveshaft U-joints?
Post by: 76 k10 on November 02, 2008, 08:56:32 pm

your gonna have fun getting those out lol

Title: Re: How to service front driveshaft U-joints?
Post by: joesgarage71 on November 03, 2008, 05:51:41 am

 I'd take it to a driveshaft shop and have them replaced. Those are alittle harder but not impossiable see they have hot plastic shot into them to hold the caps in place, heat/press to get them apart, the new joints have clips to install. Mark with a punch before starting(index)
Steve

Title: Re: How to service front driveshaft U-joints?
Post by: CruzinHigh on November 03, 2008, 08:20:48 pm

Thanks Joe.

Think I'll price the job locally but I do have a U-joint / Balljoint tool so I might give it a shot.  The trusty acetylene torch might be helpful too!   ;D

Title: Re: How to service front driveshaft U-joints?
Post by: VileZambonie on November 03, 2008, 08:23:20 pm

yes heat around the perimeter will force the plastic out. Make sure you have safety glasses on. They're just like any other u-joint however there is a cv inside the cardan joint. If that's shot now is the time to replace it also.

Title: Re: How to service front driveshaft U-joints?
Post by: dunedigger on November 03, 2008, 08:30:18 pm

I've always gotten out of that one, I have had my front shafts lengthened in my trucks when lifted and had them go through the whole thing at that time.  They don't look too fun.

Title: Re: How to service front driveshaft U-joints?
Post by: CruzinHigh on November 05, 2008, 07:26:55 pm

Quote from: dunedigger on November 03, 2008, 08:30:18 pm

I've always gotten out of that one, I have had my front shafts lengthened in my trucks when lifted and had them go through the whole thing at that time.  They don't look too fun.

And that brings a good point too, I plan to lift this truck 8" in the next few years, but I don't suppose that will really effect the fact I need to pay attention to the joints and the cardan joint too.  Thanks for pointing that one out too Vile.  I was going to remove the boot there and inspect the guts but now for sure I will just plan a replacement.