2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission I just avoided a breakdown disaster.

[tolmsted]

An hour ago I crawled under the truck to look around for potential problems.

I bumped the main drive shaft and it didn't sound right, so I grabbed hold of it and it was rattling at the front u-joint. I found one of the cups had (0) zero needle bearings in it.



I had a vibration at ~ 65-70mph for about the last month or two.

I hope this will solve that.

I also hope this post will prompt others to check your drive line. :



Got to go to the parts store and pickup the new joints with grease fittings.



fwiw: OEM joints lasted 138m miles.



Tom

 

[DCreed]

the driveshaft in my old ford fell out 5 mins. after vibe started! I dont miss that truck.

 

[tolmsted]

update!

I had called the parts store and requested stock check. Was told all 5 joints with zerks are in stock.



So I use the wifes car and go to the parts store.

I ask the counter guy, "do they all have zerk fittings"? He said "YEP!"

So my age and experience still tells me to verify. I opened all 5 boxes. Parts guy asks what was I looking for? I said I wanted to be sure all the joints had zerk grease fittings in them. He said they all are the same part number and all have grease fittings.

Surprise! 3 out of 5 do not have zerk fittings. The 3 that did not have holes in the cross had a hole drilled in one of the caps and included a plug screw and a fitting that looks like you need to use a needle grease adapter.

I refused to accept these 3 joints, He said it must be updated/newer style as the parts numbers are the same. Duh Duh.....



I should point out the the rear joints are all the same size & part number.

The front (4x4) are totally different size and part numbers.



More to follow tomorrow after I hit the other stores. :-laf:-laf

Tom

 

[BEnglish]

So my age and experience still tells me to verify. I opened all 5 boxes.

dont know how many times i have had to learn that lesson

 

[DCreed]

I've worked in a national parts store and would recommened that to anyone!