Changing U-joints

[KKaminski]

I decided to replace the u-joints on my '03 2500.

Everything was going good until I realized that there is not enough play in the yoke to allow for the caps to be pushed out in a normal fashion.



Any ideas as to how this can be accomplished?



Will I need to heat the yoke and then hope it free's up enough to allow the cap to come out?

 

[FTotts]

MMMM I dont know what you consider the normal way but usually I just push it as far one way as I can then as far the other way as I can. By that time I am able to get the center of the joint out and usually a cap too. then it is a long punch through the hole that the cap came out of and it is done. It had to go together so it has to come apart.

Patience

Fred

 

[IRNMIKE]

Push it all the way to one side and take channel locks and twist the cap out, push the other way and repeat.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I just did mine too. Man, what a PITA!!!

 

[DGamelin]

I agree with IRNMIKE, try to avoid heat. We use a press.



_________________________

93 250 2wd xc 354 auto 271k

04. 5 3500 4wd qc dully 373 6speed 94k

 

[mweiman]

A ball joint press (looks like a big C clamp) works well to push the caps out. You can rent them at most parts stores for a refundable deposit.

 

[KKaminski]

Thanks for the replies.

I was about ready to take it to a local shop, but then realized I'm not the only one with this issue.
I'm gonna try to push them as far apart as possible then remove the joint and squeeze the caps out.
Sounds like a bucket of fun, but that's what sunday's are for.
As for the heat question - maybe it's a good thing I don't have a torch, I could have really screwed it up!

 

[IRNMIKE]

Do not use a torch no matter what. Spray a little lube on after removing the clips, then press the joint all the way to one side and use vise grips or channel locks to remove the cap. Then press it back the other way 'til it stops and remove that cap. The spider will then come out. Using a press makes this job very easy(about 10 mins. tops per joint)

Hope this helps. I just did mine a week ago.

 

[Blakers]

If they are really rusted in bad, I usually cut the center out of the joint with a torch, then push all the caps in to remove them. Less stress on the yokes that way.

Blake

 

[Prairie Dog]

Don't be surprised if you have to grind some material off either the retaining clips or the bearing caps to make them fit properly. Some of mine went in easy and other had to be ground. One of the center joints was still slightly tighter than I like but I checked it with an IF heat lazer gun thingy after a high speed run and it was the same temp (cool) as the rest.