Doing U Joints This Weekend

ZWilson07 · #1 04-23-2010, 02:51 AM

like the title says going to try and do my ujoints this weekend on rear driveshaft to try and fix the clunking noise when releasing the clutch, and even if it doesnt its something that needs to be done eventually anyways with greaseable ones but I had a few questions. First off any tips I should remember, because my truck only has 50,000 miles on it you think id be fine with just doing the rear driveshaft ones for now, can someone post a link to how to and pictures just for reference if I need help? Also I read that you should slightly jack the rearend up to keep from the tranny fluid from draining out with the driveshaft out, and if so is it fine to have the rear diff lifted when doing this or is it better to have the truck sitting on its own weight and just have the truck titled forward on a decline to not have to worry about lifting the rear? Lastly, does it matter what grease and that I get or should I go to ford and get theirs. sorry for the noob questions but this is my first time doing this so im just looking for help and to make sure I properly mark the driveshaft and all so it goes back in fine.

sgtsandman · #2 04-23-2010, 06:38 AM

You don't need to jack the truck up unless you need more room to get under the truck. Any general purpose grease will be fine for u-joints. I use a synthetic water resistant grease meant for boat trailers but that is a personal preference. As far as marking the shaft, your wife's nail polish, a permenant marker or a paint pen will work nicely. Mark the yokes with a line on either side and mark the drive shaft in relation to the drive shaft yoke so they go back on how they come off.

ZWilson07 · #3 04-23-2010, 07:28 AM

ok basically my problem is I cant break the driveshaft bolts loose. I used wd 40 but the only thing I can get on the bolts is my 12mm wrench but thats only like 5 or 6 inches long and I cant break them. My 1/2 inch socket rachet is to big to fit in between the bolts and driveshaft. most I have talked to said they used the 1/2 inch socket wrench but I dont see how. mines just your standard 1/2 craftsman so it shouldnt be any bigger or smaller than any other brand?? also how do you recommend getting the driveshaft to not move at all to try and break them lose without going against the trucks gear or tranny?

Edge4.0 · #4 04-25-2010, 08:51 PM

put the wrench up there and hit it with you hand. ford has some super locktight on those things. you can also rig another box end wrench up to your 12 mm for some extra leverage

96B2300 · #5 11-30-2010, 09:27 PM

I tried to bust it loose with pb blaster and that didn't work. Then I used a electric impact, the strongest one I have and it didn't do a thing.

rangercrazy07 · #6 11-30-2010, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZWilson07

ok basically my problem is I cant break the driveshaft bolts loose. I used wd 40 but the only thing I can get on the bolts is my 12mm wrench but thats only like 5 or 6 inches long and I cant break them. My 1/2 inch socket rachet is to big to fit in between the bolts and driveshaft. most I have talked to said they used the 1/2 inch socket wrench but I dont see how. mines just your standard 1/2 craftsman so it shouldnt be any bigger or smaller than any other brand?? also how do you recommend getting the driveshaft to not move at all to try and break them lose without going against the trucks gear or tranny?

cheater bar (long piece of pipe) on the end of your ratchet works nicely to break bolts loose also maybe a small amount of heat to loosen the Ford threadlocker that stuff is something else.

thechad66 · #7 11-30-2010, 10:21 PM

Also roll your truck a bit so that your driveshaft rotates and the bolt you are fighting with is in the easiest position.... Oh, Yeah.... a BFH on that wrench will help to.

~Chad