'85 BII U Joint Replacement

[ford4wd08]

Hi all,

I'm wanting to replace the u joints in my rear drive shaft. My BII has the axle with the double cardan that comes out of the transfer case.

So that means I'll need 3 u joints plus the spring kit to do the whole drive shaft right?

Are they all the same size u joint? I see a bunch of u joints listed on Rock Auto...... just want to be sure to get the correct ones.

Looks like dana/Spicer are the best replacements from what I've read.

I did find this write up. What I assume I'll have to do.

TRS Magazine - Double Carden Joint Replacement

therangerstation.com

I've never done u joints before, but think I can manage.

 

[bobbywalter]

hell of a trial for a first effort.


nothing to it but to do it.

 

[ford4wd08]

I assume it is much easier job than dropping a transmission?? Something I've done for the first time on this BII as well.

I'm going to go home tonight and snap some pictures. I'll post them on here, I just want to be sure that I order the correct ones and the "universal ball joint kit" if that is what it is actually called.....

I'm ordering off of Rock Auto for the most part these days. Seems like it is the easiest right now.

 

[bobbywalter]

i would buy spicer stuff...usually from a driveshaft shop.


not sure how to rate this. depends on level of wear and corrosion.



i would say its a bit harder or at least more frustrating then dropping the trans.

 

[ford4wd08]

I went out and snapped a few pics tonight. Looks like I have two double cardan joints on my driveshaft.

Don't know any local shops for driveline. This is why I do most of my shopping online.

 

[ford4wd08]

The one out of the transfer case appears pretty straight forward. Looks like you unbolt both yokes and can replace them fairly easy.

The back looks a little more challenging.

Will both of these have the universal ball joint kit with the springs?

 

[bobbywalter]

can you get a complete pic of rear the driveshaft? that is.....crazy.

 

[ford4wd08]

can you get a complete pic of rear the driveshaft? that is.....crazy.

I can tomorrow when it is light out. It has a bellow in the middle where it extends. Appears to be aluminum.

 

[ford4wd08]

Is this a rare or unusual set up in a BII?

 

[bobbywalter]

custom unit.....interesting critter for sure.

 

[ford4wd08]

custom unit.....interesting critter for sure.

I highly doubt it is custom. Unless the original took a dump.

This BII was bought new by my granddad, and he had it until I hauled it home in June.

When I removed it for the trans drop the bolts on the flange of the pinion still had what I believe was factory lock tite.

 

[ford4wd08]

I'll take more pictures tomorrow. Remember this is behind a first year A4LD in 1985, I believe it's longer than the 84 C5 combo it replaced.

 

[ford4wd08]

Here is a picture of the whole driveshaft. Looks pretty stock to me......

 

[ford4wd08]

After looking at the pictures again, it looks like the u joint out of the transfer case has been slinging grease onto the under body above it.

It has either been over greased, or is shot I believe. Knowing the maintenance history with this rig, I'm going with shot.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Check the transfer case seal. Looks to me that's where the leak "grease" is coming from.
But if the joint is gone that would cause seal problems too.
That driveshaft is the first I've seen or heard of with 2 double cardan joints.