2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front drive line double cardan joint

[dtygart]

Hi guys,

I searched the FAQ's but couldn't find anything (probably my fault and not the forum!).



Recently there has been a horrible squeal coming from under my truck while I am going about 30 mph and over. It was so bad that people on the sidewalks were turing around to look at me. I thought U-joints were going and pulled the front drive line because I was afraid of it breaking, digging into the pavement and pogo-ing me off the road.



Well, both the u-joints in the CV joint feel tight, but the ball and socket is severely rusted, but tight. The shop manual says this joint can not be serviced, and must be replaced.



Can I try to lube the ball and socket and put the drive line back? Why is there not a way to lube this joint as part of regular maintenance?



Thanks for your help,





david

 

[dtygart]

P. S.

When I dropped the drive line, I found the front axle was locked. I shifted in and out of 4WD a few times and moved the truck back and forth. I found out that my 4WD drive light hadn't come on. I have replaced the light switch at the axle disconnedt twice now. I think that driving at highway speeds on dry pavement probably fried my CV joint. I couldn't find the threads where people have replaced the vacuum motor with a manual knob and cable. What do you know about that?



thanks,



david

 

[Joe Mc]

Dave, not certian about the cardan joint but at this point you can't hurt it and it's not mandatory that you have it to drive the truck so - go for it. I would think it could be serviced, but like I said not sure.

As far as the front 4wd engage there are cable conversion kits to "make sure" the front is either in or our of 4wd. Searching can be tricky - try the product/accessories forum no engine/transmission and serch for "cable". Someone else should reply soon that could possibly dorect you better.

I've heard the folks that have the cables say they work great, especially if you need 2 wheel low for whatever reason - say backing up a trailer on pavement.

 

[RSivula]

double cardan joint rebuild

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/doublecardan.php



posi-lok 4x4 cable operated actuator

www.4x4posi-lok.com

http://www.4x4posi-lok.com/app_dodge.html

 

[dtygart]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the quick replies. I decided to take the front drive line to a local driveline shop. Because of the amount of wear in the center ball and socket he said that both yokes have to be replaced which means cutting and rewelding one of the joints, if in fact this is correct, then I am glad I took it in. He also said the new joint will have a lube fitting. I took it in before I read the rebuild info you sent. It is too late now of course, but maybe I could have done it at home... oh well.



Rsivula, thanks for the 4X4 Posi-loc info. I had planned to go to Central 4WD in Sacramento soon for some other things, they are a dealer for Posi-loc.



david

 

[zstroken]

THe noise shouldn't be coming from those. They are not spinning in 2Wd unless your front axle disconnect color is not releasing.

 

[dtygart]

zstroken; right, my CAD is apparently locked in, cause I couldn't turn the yoke after I took the front drive line out. I know the truck goes in four wheel drive cause I have needed it to get out of some places, and I know it goes out and there is no jerking when I turn the wheels.



thanks,



david

 

[zstroken]

I would see why the cad isn't working also.