Front axle U- Joints

[JEsterline]

I need to replace my axle u joints and the only place that I can find them is at the dealer. Does anyone know where I might be able to find some some where else. I have an 03 4WD 2500 shortbox.

 

[David Muench]

Last I heard they weren't available from the aftermarket. Mine needed replacing at 36k and the warranty covered them.

 

[CSilkowski]

Maybe a stupid question, but what are the signs that they need replacing? I've got 36k on my truck.

 

[whamby]

I just replaced mine. I tried to use a Precision U joint to begin with but it turned out to be around . 070 to . 080 to wide to get the second retaining clip on. AC Delco list a replacement and the Precision joint was a cross to the AC Delco part #. The thought crossed my mind to modify the axle by filling it a little. But I took them back and got the factory ones for twice the cost. $76 a piece.

 

[DPKetchum]

Anyone tried a driveline shop?

 

[JEsterline]

I have 130 k on mine and 5 k ago I had the yoke to the front transfercase break as I was going down the road bout 65-70 mph. toasted the transfercase, fuel lines, oil cooler line, wireing harness, transmition sensors, 4WD shifter, floor board... well just about everything the front axle could touch while it was flopping around it destoryed. $2400. 00 worth. All because of a crack that had developed on the yoke. (I know this because it was a few of the parts that laying on the ground when I stoped) My front axle u joints now have a lot of play in them and I figure that this is because of the yoke breaking. I really wish that DC would have been putting greaseable u joints on these trucks.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Man... that sounds ugly. Luckily no one got hurt. I've heard some ugly stories about broken drive lines.

 

[JEsterline]

Only thig hurt was my check book.

 

[Makensmoke]

I have a 2000 but when I put my new axle joints in I went to Catco. Which is a Napa for semi trucks. They are a full Dana Spicer dealer but for nearly 1/2 the price I got Natco greasable ujoints. I actually just shot them full of grease again today and purged quite a bit of water out of them. Must be from plowing snow for 2 days straight. Good luck!



I have no idea if they have a website, its located in Roseville MN.

 

[David Muench]

Maybe a stupid question, but what are the signs that they need replacing? I've got 36k on my truck.

Mine squeaked when you turned the wheels while moving. Obviously when you're going straight ahead the joints aren't moving so that's a pretty good indicator. I couldn't hear the squeaking when just driving around an open parking lot though due to engine noise. I first noticed it when I was driving along the side of a concrete building with the window down, that made the squeaking reflect back at me.



Dave

 

[bpenrod]

Why aren't the joints turning when going straight ahead??

 

[rbattelle]

I have 130 k on mine and 5 k ago I had the yoke to the front transfercase break as I was going down the road bout 65-70 mph. toasted the transfercase, fuel lines, oil cooler line, wireing harness, transmition sensors, 4WD shifter, floor board... well just about everything the front axle could touch while it was flopping around it destoryed. $2400. 00 worth. All because of a crack that had developed on the yoke. (I know this because it was a few of the parts that laying on the ground when I stoped) My front axle u joints now have a lot of play in them and I figure that this is because of the yoke breaking. I really wish that DC would have been putting greaseable u joints on these trucks.

Well that scares me!



-Ryan

 

[JEsterline]

Well that scares me!



-Ryan

Scared the crap out of me.

Just one more thing to look over very carefully when serviceing my truck every two weeks Oo. :{

 

[David Muench]

Why aren't the joints turning when going straight ahead??

They are rotating (with the axle shafts), but the joints themselves aren't moving. When you turn the wheel so the axle is bending at the U joint, the caps are twisting back and forth on the U joint's cross and squeaking if they're bad.



I should of been more specific with my original statement. .



Dave

 

[bpenrod]

Nope, makes sense now, they turn with not much load untill the angle changes. I just wanted to make sure I understand it so I can check mine. Getting up around 47k and I'm not the easiest on the 4 wheel drive system...

 

[TTubb]

I need to replace my axle u joints and the only place that I can find them is at the dealer. Does anyone know where I might be able to find some some where else. I have an 03 4WD 2500 shortbox.

Just talked to Catco and they have the U-Joints for the 2004 2500/3500 front axles. The numer is 5-297 (Spicer $30. 16) or 1-0297 (Neapco $16. 91). Both are have grease fittings. They also have U-Joints for the driveshafts.

Here is the number - 800-672-0975 or 651-636-4311. You can email them at -- email address removed --. Don't know your truck year, but they indicated they would have them regardless. Hope this helps. Terry

 

[rbattelle]

Just talked to Catco and they have the U-Joints for the 2004 2500/3500 front axles. The numer is 5-297 (Spicer $30. 16) or 1-0297 (Neapco $16. 91). Both are have grease fittings. They also have U-Joints for the driveshafts.

Here is the number - 800-672-0975 or 651-636-4311. You can email them at -- email address removed --. Don't know your truck year, but they indicated they would have them regardless. Hope this helps. Terry

Grease fittings in a cap or in the body? Someone's gotta order a set and see how they are...



-Ryan

 

[Boonieman]

The grease fittings are screwed into the body of the joint normally. . at least any I've ever seen. The cross of the body if hollow, allowing the grease to flow to all four cap/bearing assemblies and also allows moisture, etc to be purged out the seal of the cap.

 

[rbattelle]

The super strength joints have the fittings in the cap so the cross isn't compromised.



-Ryan

 

[Boonieman]

I've never seen fitting on the caps, so shows what I know. Then again I've never had a u-joint failure other than bearings either. I also don't have the mods a lot of guys do, so I can see the advantage of a solid yoke in that case. Thanks.