2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What's wrong with this picture

[master1578]

While investigating a vibration in the driveline today I found a bad u-joint on the front driveshaft. I pulled the shaft out, and figured I'd replace all 3 since it was out. I called the dealer and was told $87 each!! . So I did a search here and saw alot of NAPA in the driveshaft, u-joint threads. I called NAPA and... . $10. 89. I was so shocked, asked them why they were so cheap :-laf . So am I getting junk from NAPA or getting robbed at the dealer??



Thanks,



Brian

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

$87 may be too high - but there's DEFINITELY something wrong with that $10. 89 NAPA price - they had to have made a mistake!



IF not, *I* will take 3 myself!

 

[JoshPeters]

I found that the U joints I got from Napa were not the correct ones. But I also found a different type of joint INSIDE the double cardian joint. Mine was bad. I found a local place that remaned mine and if I remember right (over a year ago) it was under $100. They even balanced the shaft when they were done.



Josh

 

[GAmes]

Call Blumenthal if you can wait the shipping time. 888-236-4800.



Mine were about $13 I believe.

 

[master1578]

Well, I've called Auto Zone. . 7. 99 Went to the Advanced Auto site, theirs are 14 and change. It says on the site that there is a lifetime replacement warranty. I didn't read it though. The shop that we get parts from for all of our big trucks said they don't have anything that small. He also said that $87 was very high (No Kidding!) and told me to go to NAPA. Thanks for the replies. The huge price gap just took me by suprise



Brian

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

HMMmmm - never seen 4x4 U-joints up close - they must be LOTS different than regular driveline joints to be so low-priced at NAPA and similar outfits...

 

[Diesel Nut]

I think Spicers are about $15 at Sacramento Driveline Service. Thats what they were for my 93 3 years ago.

Also, was there ever any doubt that the dealer was rippin you off??? I mean, come on. What is a fuel filter at the dealer? $47. Cummins West, same part number, $12 and some change.

 

[bmoeller]

http://quad4x4.com/Dodge Drive Shaft.htm

 

[rkressg]

That price seems about right from NAPA and they have the best quality parts of any aftermarket retailer (with Carquest right behind). Yes, Advanced and Auto-Zone may have better prices, but if you use their oarts, you will have to change it three times before in 2 months. That dealer price is WAY high.

-Rich

 

[KBalzuweit]

Had bad luck with some advanced joints. Replaced them a couple times under warranty (in about 15k). Last time it went bad stopped at some independent parts store and never replaced it again. Just cause they warranty for life does not meen its a good part!! Heck had a lifetime starter from autozone (on a ford powerjunk) and I replaced it many times. Never cost me a dime... so that was good, but what a hassle!!

 

[reddge]

I have changed many U-joints and by far SPICER is the best.

 

[obert]

Made some connections at Napa and got rear joints- all three-- for under $45. And they cam in a spicer box!

 

[master1578]

Thanks for all the help. I'l be heading to NAPA tomorrow.

Also, was there ever any doubt that the dealer was rippin you off???

LOL, no, I expect to get ripped off at the dealer I just never expected it to be that bad.



Thanks again,



Brian

 

[Ereynolds72]

I purchased some NAPA joints for my front driveshaft recently. I'm not sure if all NAPA stores are doing this but you can buy their cheap ones (made in China) or you can buy the good ones (made in USA). That lifetime warranty crap is just that... . crap; I don't want to replace the thing every weekend. I made that mistake once..... once. If they don't have made in USA stamped on them, run away!