U-joints

[MMcCowan]

For the second time in 30k-40k miles I think I have to replace my u-joints. I have that all too familiar feeling that there is a kid riding his bike under my truck with a playing card in his spokes. Does anyone have any suggestions on good u-joints? I will not be getting the OEM joints like I did the first time. I want something that is grease-able and something that is more durable than OEM. Is this a normal lifespan for u-joints or am I going through them pretty quick? Maybe it is because of the lift. Any help would be appreciated, I do not know too much about this topic. TIA.

 

[bwall7116]

Your u-joints shouldn't be going out that quickly with the small lift that you have. Your truck is also a short bed so you don't have the carrier bearing that the long beds have that can cause so many problems. I have heard that the greasable u-joints are hard to find but I did see a part number on here at some point. Do a thorough search of all of the forums on here and I bet you can come up with the part number. They do exist.

 

[MMcCowan]

I didn't think they should be going out that fast. I have seen some aftermarket greasable u-joints found some at Summit and Napa. Should be able to find some. Thanks.

 

[JApol]

You can find Precision greasable joints at Napa. I don't have the numbers available but they should be able to find them for you.

Before I had the rear shaft balanced I completally wore out a set of Precisions in less than 20K. Almost 40K later and they are still going strong.

Any driveline shop should be able to get your shaft balanced for a reasonable price. I paid $50.

 

[Gene Heck]

Try Dennys Driveshafts, the link is below. He built me a custom driveshaft that I was happy with some years ago.



I just recently bought 2 greasable 1410 Spicer brand u joints off of him for about $19 each plus about $12 shipping. I don't think he handles any cheap offshore junk. Most quality shops that have a good reputation that they want to keep don't.



Plus he is reachable on the phone for advice.



Dennys Driveshaft High Speed Balanced Steel or Aluminum Driveshafts Specialist Denny's Racing Distributor and Hot Rod drive shaft parts Supplier and service

 

[rbattelle]

I'm running Precision everywhere, all greasable. Rear driveshaft is 351A, front axles are 464, and front driveshaft is 235 (qty. 1) and 270 (qty 2).

I bought mine from Rock Auto.

I had to grind the caps of the 351A slightly to make them fit (joint was too long to get the snap rings in without grinding).

Ryan

 

[FDavid]

I was going through u-joints like that, turned out my driveshaft was out of balance. New driveshaft, no more problems.