How to Replace Front Driveshaft Universal Joints

[rbattelle]

Are there any tricks to replacing the universal joints in the double-cardan on the front driveshaft? That center ball is in there surrounded by a rubber boot. I don't immediately see a way to press out the joints with that ball holding things in line.



I've done one of these before (on another truck), but for the life of my I can't recall how I did it.



The service manual doesn't even address it! I think they left it out.



What's the proper way to press it to preserve the center ball?



Ryan

 

[HPetrat]

Ryan,

If I recall correctly when I did mine, I partially pressed out the u-joint cap on one u-j and then grabbed it in a vise and pulled it out by using a pry-bar on the cage.

Once I had one out I did the same to the opposite side and so on until the unit was apart.

Assembly was fairly simple by removing the caps assembling the cage and joints and then carefully pressing the caps back in.



I would also recommend that you apply a heavy grease into the caps to help keep the needle bearings in place to avoid their falling over and crushing them. If your wondering, they will sound somewhat crushing nuts when things go wrong :-laf .



If you haven't started the job yet, might I suggest going to quad4x4.com, they may have what you need at a very reasonable price. I have viewed the site a few times, but never purchased from them, so I don't know what they are like to deal with.



Hope some of this helps



HP

 

[nickleinonen]

The service manual doesn't even address it! I think they left it out.

hmm. . i just looked at my "copy" of the 2003 manual, and yep, that section is missing...

however, the 2004,2005,2006 all have that double cardan joint in them. .

might be a good idear to download a copy of one of the newer ones and print off some hard copys of that section. then you can delete the file [no piracy]

 

[Cattletrkr]

What's the proper way to press it to preserve the center ball?

Ryan

In all seriousness, buy a new one. I had the joints replaced by professionals about a year ago and the ball went out about a month or so ago. Just put a completely new shaft in and be done with it. It seems as hough I spent more than anyone else here @ $245

 

[Jeff_K]

I would buy a new one too... . $175 at dodgeparts.com... . I had my dealer match that price.

 

[DieselMinded]

Theres a how to link on the cumminsdatabase

 

[Slow Six]

I did mine last fall. Don't remember exactly what I did but it is about the same as a regular joint as far as pressing them out and back in. I cleaned and greased the centre ball before it went back together. That was almost 20,000 miles ago and everything is still good. Two u-joints are a lot cheaper than a whole driveshaft plus I have greasable joints that should last a lot longer than the factory ones.