OEM or Aftermarket?

[Carlacee]

Want to replace the U-Joints on my 05 3500 Q/C DRW 4x4. Should I stay with all OEM parts?... . or are there anything higher proformance aftermarket manufactures?



I'm planning on towing heavy... ... anyone's two cents?

 

[EricBu12]

I got a HD version at checker. . It has Zerk fitting and looks pretty stout

 

[SRath]

My experience has taught me that greasable balljoints are better than non-greaseable IF you grease them religiously.



However, sealed, non-greaseable SPICER cold-forged u-joints are the best u-joints for non-competition or extremes. Greasable u-joints always seen to have one cap and set of needles that eventually plugs up and gets no grease even if greased regularly. They let water in. The needles turn to rust-dust. Now you have junk.



There are even more robust u-joints out there thanks to truly gonzo off-roaders, but the price tag is mind-boggling; like a couple hundred per joint!



You cannot go wrong with Genuine Spicer COLD FORGED sealed u-joints. They cost a little more and are worth every penny. Anything else is a waste of time and money.

 

[GAmes]

My OEM u-joints lasted over 300k miles. Whatever Blumenthals uses lasted a little over 150k. The Spicers I have now have around 200k and are good so far. I agree with SRath, non-greasable is the way to go with u-joints.

 

[Carlacee]

My experience has taught me that greasable balljoints are better than non-greaseable IF you grease them religiously.



However, sealed, non-greaseable SPICER cold-forged u-joints are the best u-joints for non-competition or extremes. Greasable u-joints always seen to have one cap and set of needles that eventually plugs up and gets no grease even if greased regularly. They let water in. The needles turn to rust-dust. Now you have junk.



There are even more robust u-joints out there thanks to truly gonzo off-roaders, but the price tag is mind-boggling; like a couple hundred per joint!



You cannot go wrong with Genuine Spicer COLD FORGED sealed u-joints. They cost a little more and are worth every penny. Anything else is a waste of time and money.

Awesome... =)

 

[Cummins12V98]

320,000 on chevy 3/4 ton, 307,000 on my 98 ram 3/4 ton 4x4 non grease type.

I always thought grease type were best, not now!

 

[BDaugherty]

I fairly sure that the factory non-greasable Ujoints are Spicer brand. If that's true, then it doesn't matter where you get them from. You simply cannot beat a Spicer Ujoint for cost/quality.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I agree spicer is the I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER!

 

[Slow Six]

Factory u joints on the 3rd. generations are junk. I had some go as early as 20,000. The ones on my 94 had over 300,000 when I sold and were still good. I used Precision greaseables on my 03 but will try to upgrade when I change again.