2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Yoke/Universal joint problems

[JacobsD]

Alright, I replaced my rear universal joint yesterday and noticed both before and after I replaced it there happens to be a little bit of side to side play on the Yoke, nothing in the universal, just that it slides within the saddles. What could be happening here? Could the ears be bent?



It doesn't make any noise or anything when driving, and you cant really feel it or anything. But it still just doesn't feel safe.



Any help will be appreciated.

 

[BMote]

Make sure you have proper u-joint, there should be no side play. Maybe replace saddle clamps with new ones. They will fatigue and stretch a bit due to tremendous torque of that Cummins. I have had trouble with parts people giving out wrong u-joint. Must always specify "diesel" along with year of truck.



91 w250

01 250 4x4

 

[JacobsD]

Yeah I'm certain its the right Universal joint, I looked up the number myself at the shop I work at and called the parts store my good friend owns and ordered it. I'll try a set of saddle clamps first, that seems most logical.



This truck's driving me nuts... now I'm getting a clunk from the left front end, where I just did ball joints and a hub assembly there. I'll have to get it on the lift tomorrow. #@$%!

 

[bmoeller]

Is the tie rod end tight?

 

[jkalchik]

Make sure that the u-joint is seated properly in the yoke, between the locating tabs. I ruined a yoke on my Jeep XJ by not getting it seated.

 

[JacobsD]

Bmoeller: Yes the tie rod is tight. I just went out and looked at it and it appears that one of the bushings on control arm off the frame is totally shot.



jkalchik: The universal is properly seated in there between the two little tabs on the ends of the yoke, yet it still has some space to slide back and forth, maybe 1/16" or so.