I don't really need anything other than to rant........ Front U-joint on the front driveshaft was getting loose, so I figured I had better do a pre-emptive strike. Ordered the correct Spicer lifetime joint based upon what was supposed to be in there. Today was slow at work, so I figured, might as well get to it.Got the slimy mess out, cleaned up, and the old joint pressed out, not too bad, or so I thought.

New Joint didn't want to start, huh?

Dig the old joint out of the trash ( caps went everywhere ), reconstruct it as best I can, one set of caps is 1-1/16", other is 1-1/8".

Now, I KNOW this shaft is the original one, I bought the truck off the original owner, I have every scrap of paper since new......

You have to wonder what goes through an Engineers mind when he uses a conversion joint on a production vehicle......

Oh well, if we can keep the snow away for another day, O'Reilleys does show one in stock, grab it tomorrow and get her back together.

Bad thing is is a stupid Precision, the only joint in my truck that isn't genuine Spicer.....want to bet which one I twist off?

There, I feel better, thanks for listening.

 

I've gotten lazy and just replace the entire driveshaft with a rebuilt one from Napa.
After the core charge it's about $50 for two new joints.

 

Good you feel better...Pat....Everyone needs a good rant once in a while...

 

That would be an option, but I am sure they don't use premium Spicer joints.

And with my luck, I would drop the clutch and launch a shaft.....

 

Actually, it did feel good......... Thanks!

 

Take a deep breath Pat and open one of your favorite adult beverages

 

reminds me of last summer when I rebuilt the cardan joint- busted my harbor freight vice in half, ended up useing my log splitter and killed 2 of my sockets to get those caps off!

 

its not just dodge ,I just did a 2000 chevy 4x4 that uses 3 different u joints and the caps are different sizes on the cross .whats so bloody difficult to use the same size?

 

Even I learned somthing new...I didn't know they used mis-match caps...I replaced mine as a complete unit,because the centre ball was all smashed up..