Best axle U-JOINT for 03

[Blakers]

What is the best front axle u-joint to buy these days? I can't find the part number for the last one I replaced. I need to order a wheel bearing hub and joint and Rock Auto seems to be the best deal out there. SKF hubs are almost $100 less than NAPA, and even almost $200 less than from my local auto parts where I have an account. And this is for the same part number. Thanks.

 

[Wayne M.]

I put greasable Precision in. I think it's important to be able to flush them out with fresh grease. SKF was the OEM hub bearing. Can't do better than that. If you won't do a free spin kit, that's the way to go.

 

[Blakers]

Thanks Wayne! I've used Precisions for years, and that's what's in the other side. Does anyone know the part number?

I agree that greaseable is the way to go on these. This one has been in there since 2010 and has around 100,000 miles on it, so that's pretty good. Plus I used my truck for well tending for three years, so it was constantly on gravel roads and in mud. She survived it well.

I put greasable Precision in. I think it's important to be able to flush them out with fresh grease. SKF was the OEM hub bearing. Can't do better than that. If you won't do a free spin kit, that's the way to go.

 

[jhenderson]

I've never been able to find a u joint for these trucks that fits as well as a factory AAM. The yokes and axle ears are a few thousandths different than any aftermarket joint I've used. I always ended up grinding the inner c clips thinner or grinding caps down to get the outer clips in without binding the joint.

 

[Blakers]

Precision 464 ? https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=819482&cc=1413470&jsn=494

Thanks Wayne! I've used Precisions for years, and that's what's in the other side. Does anyone know the part number?I agree that greaseable is the way to go on these. This one has been in there since 2010 and has around 100,000 miles on it, so that's pretty good. Plus I used my truck for well tending for three years, so it was constantly on gravel roads and in mud. She survived it well.

 

[Wayne M.]

I don't remember the number, but I got them online and put them in when I did the spyntec hub job. I had no issue with fitment.

 

[Blakers]

I never had an issue with fit either Wayne. Usually have to clean rust or paint off yokes as the fit is close. When I changed the other side a couple years ago, the joint was in the yokes so tight that I cut the center of the joint out with my chop saw so I could drive the caps it toward the center and not risk distorting the yokes.

I've had vehicles with lockout hubs and those with out for many years and I've found u-joints usually last longer when they are turning all the time. Lockout hubs save fuel, but I don't know how much. It all depends on how often one uses 4 wheel drive as to whether lockout hubs are worth it or not. I had a Ford company trucks with lockout hubs - I locked them in the day they gave me the truck and never unlocked them for 2 years. I needed to use 4 wheel drive every day all year long on my job.

I don't remember the number, but I got them online and put them in when I did the spyntec hub job. I had no issue with fitment.

 

[WalterJ]

Seems the general idear of lockout hubs, is to limit/reduce the "wear" on the frt U-Joints by keeping them still. You feel/say otherwise?

 

[Blakers]

They never stay still as they coast along due to grease or oil friction. Plus, just steering the truck turns the U-Joints from side to side.

Seems the general idear of lockout hubs, is to limit/reduce the "wear" on the frt U-Joints by keeping them still. You feel/say otherwise?

 

[Blakers]

This axle joint was just as bad to get out as the other one. Had to cut the center out with my chop saw. Then I ended up dropping the axle from my work bench onto my foot. Swelled up and turned black and blue, but nothing seems to be broken!

I did run a flat file across the inside of each yoke end so I could get the snap rings in. Didn't take off any material with the file, just paint, rust and some nicks.

I ended up getting the SKF wheel bearing/hub from Amazon and not Rock Auto. Less money and free shipping.

I never had an issue with fit either Wayne. Usually have to clean rust or paint off yokes as the fit is close. When I changed the other side a couple years ago, the joint was in the yokes so tight that I cut the center of the joint out with my chop saw so I could drive the caps it toward the center and not risk distorting the yokes.

I've had vehicles with lockout hubs and those with out for many years and I've found u-joints usually last longer when they are turning all the time. Lockout hubs save fuel, but I don't know how much. It all depends on how often one uses 4 wheel drive as to whether lockout hubs are worth it or not. I had a Ford company trucks with lockout hubs - I locked them in the day they gave me the truck and never unlocked them for 2 years. I needed to use 4 wheel drive every day all year long on my job.

 

[BDaugherty]

Best front axle Ujoint is Spicer 5006813! Available on Rockauto for $55 each.
For a replacement hub bearing assembly, I would also go to Rockauto and get Timken...