Replacing U Joints - Have no clue what i'm doing!

[militarydave]

Before everyone laughs, scoffs, shrugs, uses profanity against me... (LOL)

I've never replaced a U-joint, so i recently bought "front and rear" ones. I have an 89 2.9L that when I shift gears "i can hear the metal clanking when the clutch engages. I also got underneath the truck, shook the driveshaft (in neutral and in gear) and it rattles as all hell.

So, I 've been told the best way to take them out is to use a socket about the same size and hammer it out slowly? or, use a C-clamp and press one side out, then the other, etc. etc.

First thing is first. the truck is lifted on jack stands. the tranny is in neutral and the parking brake is not engaged.

Do I try and remove the front U-joint or first or the rear?

Also, i'm glad i got ALLDATA DIY Free. even though i can't seem to find anything in relation to u-joints.

any tips/advice/step by step, etc. is greatly appreciated.

and yes.... i feel like an idiot! LOL

 

[Big Jim M]

DON'T use a hammer on them! A large vise or even a c-clamp is good. Ya take the complete driveshaft off of the vehicle and then you pull the c's or e's or whatever is holding the grease cups in place. Then you push one cup INSIDE which pushes the other cup out. Then you push the first cup back OUT. Then you install in reverse. Lastly putting the c's back in place.
The mistake that is most common is.. when installing the new one one or more of the long bearings will get out of place and the cup won't install deep enough to put the c in place.
The next most common mistake made is guys BEATING on the cup with a socket and a hammer... getting the cup misformed and it only lasts for a few miles or so..
You will be a u-joint pro after you do the first one.
Big JIm

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

be SURE to mark the flanges BEFORE you remove the u-joints. only do 1 at a time and you need to put the flange back the same way it came off.

also.. since you've never done it before.. do be sure to remove the snap rings before you try to get it out. wear safety glasses because most of the time they break and go flying at your face.

i would recommend having somebody walk you through it then the next time you'll be able to do it yourself

 

[militarydave]

sounds good.. i'll tackle this and post progress....

thanks guys!