Best u joints?

[steved]

OK how about the front axle joints (4x4). Any help on what joints ... Precision also? How about the job. It seems pretty big. I hear the joints are a bear to get out without damaging the yokes.

I have Precisions in the axle joints, and have for many miles; but I'm not a good gauge to their quality since they just sit there most of the time with the DT kit installed.



I remember reading that grinding of the yokes was needed on some of the earlier Precision joints, but mine went together without any such need. I want to remember someone stating the current version is different than the early version because of that. The hardest part is pulling the unit bearing, followed by ensuring you don't damage the axle seal upon reinstallation.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Does the axle come out through the steering yoke hole?

 

[steved]

You pull the unit bearing, and the axleshaft slips out through that opening... otherwise, the unitbearing traps the stubshaft.

 

[AEdelheit]

I was going to do U joints and carrier bearing on my rear drive line and after doing some research decided to do a 1pc instead. I have not done it yet but know people who have with great results, all vibrations are gone and they seem to spend about $500 for one, If you look at the labor to rebuild a 2 piece plus parts its probably gonna be about the some price.

 

[cclark746]

I had greaseable NeapCo's installed in my rear driveshaft at 75k. I didn't mention them because they are hard to find and (at that time) did not offer a direct replacement for our truck. The shop actually had to grind the retention clips down thin to make them work.



I now sit at 245k, on those same NeapCo greaseable joints... I don't think there is much quality difference between NeapCo, Spicer, Precision, or other name brands; but the main significance is that they can be regularly greased.



On that note, use the BEST grease you can buy... I personally use Schaeffer #274 with outstanding results. I have used both Tractor Supply's Premium Grease and Lucas, they are both inferior products IMHO letting in water (balljoints) and not staying in ujoints. I can put two to three pumps in my ujoints using Schaeffer and have grease showing at the seals... it would take ten plus pumps of the other greases before that would happen (and the grease expelled would look horrible). I would probably use Mobil 1 or Pennzoil 707L if I didn't buy bulk from Schaeffers.

What kind of schaeffers grease you use? How do you feel about amsoil grease.

 

[steved]

I believe its #274... can't comment on Amsoil, never used it.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Ordered Precision Super Duty 295A's for the rear driveshaft. Putting them in this week.

 

[seafish]

I am not sure about the best U-joints, but I DO remember that Matt400, a TDR member and mechanic, posted these tools (particularly the larger one) as helping him remove and replace his u-joints. Sorry can't find the original post, but bookmarked the tools--

http://www.tigertool.com/index.cfm?...roductid=1a9772d6-3048-2446-acf7-05108cd19bf2

U-Joint Removing/Installing Tool | OTC Tool Manufacturer for Cars and Trucks

 

[cclark746]

Ordered Precision Super Duty 295A's for the rear driveshaft. Putting them in this week.

Where did you order them from?

 

[cclark746]

I am not sure about the best U-joints, but I DO remember that Matt400, a TDR member and mechanic, posted these tools (particularly the larger one) as helping him remove and replace his u-joints. Sorry can't find the original post, but bookmarked the tools--



http://www.tigertool.com/index.cfm?...roductid=1a9772d6-3048-2446-acf7-05108cd19bf2



U-Joint Removing/Installing Tool | OTC Tool Manufacturer for Cars and Trucks

Nice looking tool 400$ kinda high I suppose!

 

[steved]

My only suggestion is this:



Take the shaft out and take it to a reputable driveshaft shop. Have them swap the joints, and balance the shaft. Mine was out, and there was nothing wrong with it... but it made it smoother.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Where did you order them from?

Rockauto.com has them. I ended up getting them ordered from my local auto parts. I should have gone Rockauto but I need them really fast. I should have them Tuesday or Wed. Rockauto was cheapest at 19. 95 each plus shipping.

Napa wanted over 40 each.

I think these have the grease fittings out on the end of a bearing cap.

I bought the unit bearings from Napa as they were 30 cheaper each than Rock and no shipping charges. They were $294 each. NAPA/SKF BR930502

Now I need to choose front axle u-joints. I'll probably order them from Rock.

I'm doing the rear driveshaft this week and the front end probably not for a couple of weeks.

With the driveshaft squeeking I don't want to take any chances.

I'm also going to replace the front sway bar links. Mine are totally shot.

 

[Yo Hoot]

My only suggestion is this:



Take the shaft out and take it to a reputable driveshaft shop. Have them swap the joints, and balance the shaft. Mine was out, and there was nothing wrong with it... but it made it smoother.

Not a bad idea. I did have vibe issues when the truck was new. Bigger tires seemed to cure it. I have zero vibes.

 

[cclark746]

Does anyone know the part numbers for all three Percision rear u joints on a 06 2500 megacab 4x4 auto trans? I found the ones for the manual trans are they the same? Thanks

 

[cclark746]

295a number is the number for the 2wd I found on a few websites, does the 4wd use the same one?

 

[DDT]

I just did my OEM u jionts on the front driveline, used greaseable persions 270 for CV AND 235 for the front one. I also ordered a OTC7249, clamp and came with 3 bushings and 2 caps. Amazon.com for $91 delivered. The u joint clamp made easy and quick work replaceing the u joints. A very needed tool IMO. Oh mine has 145K on it and all I replaced were OEM joints.

 

[Kirwin]

Check Quad 4X4 in Roberts MT

He has all this info posted. The autos and manuals are different. This email is dated 6/13/2007 and was for the rear drive shaft. This information may be superseded. Ken Irwin





You need QK3040 for your driveshaft. . All 2003-up 6 speeds use 1485 joints.



Order axle u-joint kit QK4597 from our 2003-up front axle page.



Spicer does not make a joint that will fit your front axle shafts.



Dan

 

[cclark746]

He has all this info posted. The autos and manuals are different. This email is dated 6/13/2007 and was for the rear drive shaft. This information may be superseded. Ken Irwin





You need QK3040 for your driveshaft. . All 2003-up 6 speeds use 1485 joints.



Order axle u-joint kit QK4597 from our 2003-up front axle page.



Spicer does not make a joint that will fit your front axle shafts.



Dan

Thanks Dan,

I have an auto, so I need the Qk3040 if so what brand u joints is that? Whose model number is that? Website?

 

[cclark746]

I just did my OEM u jionts on the front driveline, used greaseable persions 270 for CV AND 235 for the front one. I also ordered a OTC7249, clamp and came with 3 bushings and 2 caps. Amazon.com for $91 delivered. The u joint clamp made easy and quick work replaceing the u joints. A very needed tool IMO. Oh mine has 145K on it and all I replaced were OEM joints.

Did you do the rear? Will this tool work on the rear? Do you know precisions part number for the (THREE REAR) u joint on a 06 2500 megacab 4x4 auto

 

[DZinger]

I recently installed all Precision greaseables in my truck - got a great deal from Rock Auto and their site is very easy to navigate in getting the right ones for all positions on the vehicle - I replaced all 7 on my truck at once and I had 98,000 - none were actually bad, but had it all apart rebuilding front axle so why not?