elkbelch

I need to replace the u-joints in the front drive shaft.
Can I pull the front driveshaft and drive? What are the pins that appear to be holding the front u-joint in I got clips with the the replacement?
Do I unbolt the shaft at the hex heads (front)and the 5/8 in bolts (rear)?
Any tips on pressing out the joints at the cardon?

2003 2500

dieselrob

Not shure what the pins are your talking about, foggy memory. You can drive with out it on there, i do it alot and never had a problem. As for tips put it in a vise and use a small ball joint press that looks like a c clap with different adapters and you wind it in and out with an air gun.

John Faughn

The pins are what is called glue in u-joints , a good rap with a hammer will crack/break the plastic , then change as normal .
driving without the ft shaft is not a problem .

elkbelch

Thank you.
Does the new front u-joint on the front drive shaft use the retainer clips?

Thanks again

John Faughn

Yes , the plastic just saved then a few cents .

elkbelch

Thank you much sir!

dj_souvlaki

i torch the plastic out. seems to be the easiest way.

trod77

Just be careful when taking the double-cardan joints apart. Dont lose any needle bearings out of the ball. Other than that it is pretty straight forward. Just be sure and mark everything so it all goes back the same way to avoid any possible vibration issues.

Homestead

If you need to replace he u-joints in the cardon joint, you probably need a new ball in the center of the cardon. It's just cheap insurance while you have it apart. I believe the centering ball kit is only about $30 or so.

A bonus of changing out the centering ball is ou dont have to worry about it when you take it all apart. Blow it apart and give everything a good cleaning and put it back together fresh as new.

Jeff

elkbelch

This was all great advise. I did blow the ball apart when removing the old u-joints I am going to replace it too.
Heating the epoxy would have been worked better than the press I used.

dj_souvlaki

ya its a fast and easy way off doing it. you'll see the plastic injection come out like a little worm almost. than just hit the nuckle with a hammer and out comes the bearing cap.

my front u-joing blew on me on the highway. thankfully the driveshaft didn't drop. scared the living you know what out of me though.