2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission u-joint and yoke question

[shorty2500]

the yoke on my rear differential has tabs or dog-ears for retaining the u-joint caps. well, there is slop between these tabs and the caps. i can fit one penny (slightly flatened) between each cap and its respective tab.



the guy who pressed the u-joint onto my driveshaft 3 months ago said that his books specify 4. 187 inches from outside to outside for the u-joint and 4. 188 inches of separation for the tabs. that 0. 001 inch difference gives a "snug" fit for the u-joint in the cradle of the yoke.



my tabs are 4. 263 inches apart. that's 0. 075 inches! did mine wear down or get bent out? has anyone else had this type of problem? this was my first u-joint failure on this truck.

 

[jkalchik]

You'll need to replace the yoke if it's been hogged out that far. The yoke itself shouldn't be too expensive.



I had this happen on my Jeep Cherokee, I suspect when the u-joint didn't get seated quite right.



You will need to be careful when replacing the yoke. If you don't get it seated properly and the pinion nut torqued down right, you can end up roaching a set of gears. Don't ask how I know this.