Which Front Axle U-Joints....Precision or Spicer???

[gsbrockman]

The ol' MegaCab is currently at 69k and it's ready for front axle u-joints.



I was experiencing a "binding" and "pulsation" sensation at lower speeds (<30 mph) in slight turns. After a friend and I raised the front axle off the ground, we determined the L/F was the culprit as it would not spin freely at a lock-to-lock turn.



I've read that the Spicer U-Joint is possibly OEM in these trucks... ... and I'm not sure I want to go back with those in another 70k miles. They're supposedly stronger due to not having a grease channel in them. I've found them online ranging from $65. 00 to $135. 00.



The other u-joint I'm looking at is the Precision # 464. It's greaseable but supposedly weaker due to the hollowness of the grease channel. I've found them ranging in price frrom $35. 00 to $39. 00.



Your thoughts and ideas are welcome.....

 

[jhenderson]

I voted for spicer. That having been said, you won't break a greasable joint in these trucks. I have 275,000 on my 04, and have used both brands. The spicer joints lasted longer, in my case, although none last as long as I think they should. I will admit, I use my truck harder than most. I tow a 15,000 lb dump trailer 50 percent of the time and use 4 wheel drive daily to get in and out of rough and muddy landings.

 

[bheiting]

The mechanics in my area were having trouble finding a greasable u joint for mine. My dealer actually had one for less than the non greaseable replacement. It was Chrysler badged, and made in Japan. I can't remember the manufacturer, but looked to be beautifully machined. I suspect it is used on the chassis cabs. Didn't answer your question, but is another possibility. I've heard pros and cons about both Spicer and Precision. If you're driving through water up to the joint, I'd get the greaseable so you can pump out the contaminated grease.

 

[WalterJ]

"Precision" u-joints were recommended by a Dodge mechanic whilst we were vac'g in MI. When pressed to 'defend' his choice, he reported he is an avid off-roader and would never consider a sealed u-joint, which cannot be maintained. Strength? Neither he nor his friends never witnessed a 'greasable' u-joint fail because of the grease channels.

He said, and others I've asked since then have agreed, that the main problem with 'greasable' u-joints is the amateurs lack of knowledge re: lubrication technique, i. e. the uninformed owner is too aggressive with his 'gun' & invariably blows out the grease seals without realizing it! Then it fails 'prematurely' & u-joints like "Precision" get a totally undeserved bad rap! For this type of fellow, he MUST use sealed u-joints for his own protection!

We're traveling more these last 2 years of my recent retirement, so I have experienced a lack of specific parts availability. I purchased at my leisure & now carry spare "Precision" greasable u-joints for the OEM locations still in service.

Anyone successfully add a Zerk fitting to those sealed front hubs?

 

[rscurtis]

You're absolutely correct. AFAIK, there is no risk of blowing seals, they are designed to let grease escape while keeping contaminants out. If one were to use non-greasable caps on a greasable cross, blowing the seals would be an issue.

 

[TimothyLong]

I have Precision greasable U-joints on both front and rear drivelines. I've had them for about 9 months and about 15K miles with no issues. I have a set of Precision greasable U-joints for the front axles that I plan on putting on sometime between now and this winter.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Greaseable!

 

[RDeFayette]

Greaseable #464 NAPA on the shelf. Think I paid about $23. 00.

Think about it, mil spec equip has grease fittings on almost EVERYTHING that moves in a vehicle. made the same, just a larger scale.

 

[steved]

Greaseable #464 NAPA on the shelf. Think I paid about $23. 00.

Think about it, mil spec equip has grease fittings on almost EVERYTHING that moves in a vehicle. made the same, just a larger scale.

The greaseable Napa joints are Precision units...



I have greaseable Precision in the front knuckles, but they see little use with the Dynatrac.

 

[gsbrockman]

They're in................................................ ........

I decided on the Precision # 464's.



Just got the Blue Bus back from Bluegrass Diesel Performance in Lancaster, KY.



Thanks to Josh and his crew at BDP!!!!!

 

[HEMI®Dart]

The "lubed for life" OE front axle U-Joints lasted for maybe 60K.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I decided on the Precision # 464's.



Just got the Blue Bus back from Bluegrass Diesel Performance in Lancaster, KY.



Thanks to Josh and his crew at BDP!!!!!

Are you going to do both sides? I would. The RS can't be far behind.

 

[RichMorris]

Use he greasable. I just had my left front U joint replaced for the third time in 101K miles. Both rear U joints are being replaced as one is squeeking. The all have been replaced in the past includint the drive shaft and center bearing. Dodge has finally increased the size on the 2011 trucks but I do not know if the new ones can be lubricated.

 

[gsbrockman]

Are you going to do both sides? I would. The RS can't be far behind.

Certainly... ... . one would not go to work wearing one new shoe and one old shoe now would they???

 

[DReams]

Best Spicer Price

If you are looking for the Spicers check out CCI Driveline, best price on the web (that I could find) $61. 13 for Spicer quality and seals that should keep water and dirt out for a long time if installed carefully. Their website is https://www.ccidriveline.com/

 

[S.Morris]

The non greaseable ones will last longer than the greaseable ones if you dont grease the greaseable ones. That being said, I use the precision 464's.
Also note that the rear driveshaft joints in a 5600 are much bigger than a 48re. Not sure if they are same as new trucks or not though.
I can say the 5600 joints look bigger than a new 3500 Dmax with the big tow ratings

 

[NavyDood]

I'm using the Neapco non-greasable ones, but I also installed the DynaTrac at the same time. No rotation = much longer life for me.

 

[RVTRKN]

The non greaseable ones will last longer than the greaseable ones if you dont grease the greaseable ones. That being said, I use the precision 464's.

Also note that the rear driveshaft joints in a 5600 are much bigger than a 48re. Not sure if they are same as new trucks or not though.

I can say the 5600 joints look bigger than a new 3500 Dmax with the big tow ratings

Not to change the subject, but GM don't rate their trucks per the engineering, they just keep up with the competition. The bigger U-joints are for the higher Front GAWR in the newer trucks. They weren't changed because of durability, they were changed for the higher rating.



I vote for the greaseable type, but I very rarely use my 4X4 and my 04. 5 still have the original with over 100K.

 

[AaronOregon]

If you are looking for the Spicers check out CCI Driveline, best price on the web (that I could find) $61. 13 for Spicer quality and seals that should keep water and dirt out for a long time if installed carefully. Their website is https://www.ccidriveline.com/

Here they are for $54. I just ordered them last night.



Autoplicity.com. Dana Spicer Axle Products AXLE U JOINT - 5006813



Aaron