u-joint problems

[notron46]

I've had to replace the rear u-joint on my 05 4x4 3500 srw 6spd twice. At 66k and again at 108k. I tow a 5th wheel and was wondering if the weight of the trailer on the truck is causing the angle of the drive line to cause premature failure. The tongue weight is within the limits of the truck.

 

[NIsaacs]

I would say no. The drive line angle actually improves with weight. U-joints are not all created equal. I am not sure why some last and some do not. My 01 are original @ 165,000. I changed out my 91 at 325,000. The 74 Ford has 150,000 of heavy loads since I installed the Dana 70 HD with new joints. My old 75 Ford 4x4 and the little tiny original type joints have been replaced numerous times.



Nick

 

[steved]

The factory joints used in the 3rd gens typically only last around 70k... if you replaced factory with factory, that's most likely the problem.

Use something like a Precision, Spicer, or Neapco greaseable joint, and your issues will most likely go away.

 

[BRUTUS]

"Nother U joint question on a different model

I just had my front U joints and track bar replaced by the dealer and requested OEM parts. The newly installed U joints have zercs, the old originals did not. What gives? They cost $74. 98 each. Would someone venture to tell me what they sold me?

 

[rscurtis]

I don't know what they sold you, but that's what should have been installed in the first place. Did you ever see a MD truck without a greaseable driveline?

 

[steved]

If the dealer was observant, they would have seen the rash of ujoint issues and be using other joints... other than OE.

 

[BRUTUS]

Phantom U Joints

My truck has never had a greasable U joint until now. These are the first. The net is rife with opinions about varying U joint quality asessments and preferences. I'm mostly curious if these are "improved" OEM parts that I asked for, or was I sold "treet" parts at a comparatively hefty price, probably made in lower slabovia.

 

[steved]

I have both NeapCos and Precisions in my truck with over 140k on each, they are both still going strong. And that's with 4. 10 rears, which spin the drive shaft more revolutions per mile than 3. 73s.