I know it is simple, but I have never done it. Anyone want to explain how and maybe post some pics. My rear driveshaft is really starting to ping when I start rolling. Thanks.

Did you check to make sure it was the u-joints and not somthing else?

I don’t want to throw cold water on this enterprise but if you have u-joints that are put in with the plastic, you will definitely need a press. Some u-joints have a plastic material injected into an annular ring between the u-joint bearing cap and the flange. My ’84 was that way. It took all a 12 ton press could do to press them out. You can not do it with a vice. Other then that, there isn’t much to it.

1. Block the wheels so the vehicle can not roll. Do not use the park brake, you will have to turn the wheels.
2. Raise back wheels of vehicle off ground.
3. Mark the location of the drive shaft relative to the axle flange and the transmission yoke.
4. Remove the bolts at the rear axle flange.
5. Lower the drive shaft to the ground.
6. Remove u-joint keepers if equipped.
7. Press out old u-joint using suitably sized socket to receive bearing cap. Do not press bearing cap all the way into the yoke. If you do you will have trouble getting it back out.
8. Clean up drive shaft and yokes.
9. Press in new u-joint.
10. Install new keepers.
11. Install drive shaft in vehicle, noting previously marked position.
12. Grease u-joint.

A little trick for the u-joints with the plastic injected… heat them up a bit with a torch right before you press it out. (be careful not to directly heat the yoke)

Heat it up and stay away from the opening because the melted plastic comes a shootin out.

Sounds good. Thanks for the help guys. A friend of mine did them over 100K ago and I remember him using a hammer. Thanks again Y'all.


Dan