By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 03:40 am: Edit

I am pretty certain my front u-joints are bad and in need of replacement. Yesterday, on the highway, I suddenly felt a sharp shudder from the front end. I pulled to the shoulder, poked my head underneath, and found axle grease all over the oil pan, oil filter, frame rails, etc. All from the front u-joint. When I grabbed the shaft by the flang, there was quite a bit of play. I pulled the shaft and continued. The truck felt fine, so I think there has been no other damage done to the the front dif, etc.

Anyway, I've got two problems/questions and I've never done u-joints before (actually, I am discovering that a lot of the projects I know tackle on this truck are for the first time...).

I need to determine which size u-joint to get for replacments (2 7/32" or 2 15/16"). Exactly where am I measuring? Is this measured only with the u-joint out on the work bench?

I know I need a drift set, a soft hammer, and pliers to remove the circlips. Any other hints, tips, advice?

By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 09:07 am: Edit

Never mind the question. I guess a PO put on SIII u-joints (3 7/32"). That's a common Spicer part #. The local drive shaft guys had them at $16 each and charged $8 each for the install. Couldn't beat that with a stick.

Jeff

By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 09:53 am: Edit

Sweet! Don't'cha love it when it's that simple??

-L

By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 10:59 am: Edit

Not so simple after all. Drove around some more and the vibration is still there at 50MPH plus. Went back to the shop. Splines are shot on the shaft and it's got too much play. Don't know how I missed that as that was an area I looked at.

They're making a new shaft and I'll have it tomorrow. Total for new shaft with new ujoints is $300.

Such is life...

By Ron on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 11:03 am: Edit

Jeff,

I have a spare front 88 shaft if you want one (ie don't want to spend $300)

$50 plus ship.

Ron

By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 11:10 am: Edit

Thanks Ron. I gave them the OK about an hour ago to build it and they've already stared cutting metal (they just called to ask me a few questions). I do appreciate the offer.

The truck is amazingly smooth w/o the front drive shaft right now. I guess the old one was creaping up on me as it went bad and I didn't notice until it really got ugly.

Jeff

By Ron on Monday, October 01, 2001 - 11:12 am: Edit

No problem. I am sure the new shaft will serve you well. For future reference you can usually find anything you need cheaply if you just ask.

Cheers
Ron

By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 06:05 am: Edit

Next time I will. At the time, I was there at the shop and we had the shaft torn down on his bench. I knew the BP price was about $300 plus tax and shipping so I figured I'd saved about $40~$50 getting it from him. I just said go for it without thinking about my options.

On the plus side, they are a really good shop and specialize in drive lines. Having seen and used their work, I know it will be give good service.

Live and learn.

Jeff

By Jeff Bieler (Mrbieler) on Wednesday, October 03, 2001 - 09:37 am: Edit

Wow. That's all I can say. Wow.

The new driveshaft makes for a whole new truck. I guess I had become accustomed to the vibration and didn't notice it until it got terrible at anything above 50MPH.

With the new shaft, I can do my usual 55MPH cruise on the freeway and I even passed a garbage truck and excellerated briefly to 60MPH. Truck is so smooth and the engine feels nice and tight.

What a difference.

By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Thursday, October 04, 2001 - 02:32 am: Edit

Sweet!




-L