Replace u-joints or not

[RED]

Going to install SDD clutch this week. Should I replace u-joints with greaseable at this time, regardless if they are bad or not? If so what brand, part numbers ect. The truck has 43k mostly towing or loaded up. Dont wont to throw money away, just want to avoid unnessesary down time. Mods in sig. Thanks for the help!

 

[ASchwartz]

Going to install SDD clutch this week. Should I replace u-joints with greaseable at this time, regardless if they are bad or not? If so what brand, part numbers ect. The truck has 43k mostly towing or loaded up. Dont wont to throw money away, just want to avoid unnessesary down time. Mods in sig. Thanks for the help!

Greasable sound great, but they are weakened by having the ports for the grease. My u-joints just went out after a little under 150,000 hard miles, stick with stock.

 

[JLovas]

When I recently replaced my clutch, I obviously had to take the flywheel off and have it resurfaced flat, I also took the driveshaft in for a balancing. I didn't have any reason to suspect that the driveshaft wasn't in good shape, just wanted to do the job right and thought it would be an excellent opportunity to check it while my pickup was down and the driveshaft was off anyway. My local shop found the front tube bent . 020" and straightned it, and found the rear tube was bent . 030" and replaced it, as a result, I had them replace all 3 u-joints. I would recommend getting it balanced and see what they think about the joints.



I'm a big believer in the old saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"!

 

[steved]

Greasable sound great, but they are weakened by having the ports for the grease. My u-joints just went out after a little under 150,000 hard miles, stick with stock.

I have 120k on greaseable joints... I don't see where they are inherently weaker...



The strength difference between the two would not be noticeable by the majority of us... especially on a joint this large. If we were talking Dana 44 (with small 1310s) and this much power, then I would agree... but these are significantly larger.

 

[ASchwartz]

My bad, I read SDD clutch as South Bend Duel Disk Clutch and figured he would soon have the power to break them.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I personally have the best luck with the stock Spicer sealed units. If it were me I would leave them alone if they are tight and smooth.