Ridiculous front driveshaft - 98 4x4

[skinner]

Hey guys,
I have a 98 4x4 3.0. Just got done doing the slave and got it all back together minus the front driveshaft. It has one of those funky ball in cage designs at the xfer case and a ujoint in the front. I, for the life of me, cannot figure out how to get this damn thing back in. Ive tried putting the cage in first, then pushing the shaft into it, but that just knocks half the balls loose. I tried assembling the cage around the shaft, but then it seemingly will not fit into the transfer case. The angle is kinda steep at that seeing as it won't clear the front end flange until its in the transfer case. Do I need to jack the xfer case way up first for clearence? Anybody have any ideas? I'm beyond frustrated and out of ideas.
Thanks in advance.

 

[wvcat]

I had trouble assembling one of these once...pita! I think it took 2 days for me to figure it out. You have to have everything lined up perfect for it to slide together right and you have to start all the balls at the same time. The cage and balls slide in at the same time. Not sure how to explain it.... good luck

 

[skinner]

Thanks for the reply.
Do you remember if you put the cage/balls in the xfer case before jamming the driveshaft in, or if you had the cage/balls on the gear end of the driveshaft and put the entire thing in at once? Is there a trick to getting the angle right....man o man I agree...total PITA.
Well....thanks for any input...ill try again tomorrow I guess.

 

[wvcat]

You have to assemble the joint on the driveshaft before you install it. Its been a while but here's what I remember.
I had the driveshaft standing straight up.
Then I took the cage and all the balls and had them sitting on top of the center piece.
Then you have to start the outter race on the balls at the same time you start the balls down over the center race(if that makes sense)
You might have to get one side in a little them the other. A light tapping with a hammer will help but don't damage the balls or races.

Thats the best I can remember. Oh yeah grease is your friend, it will help hold the balls while you are trying to assemble it.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

grease your balls .

im sorry i couldnt resist. now where did i put my mountain dew????

 

[wvcat]

lol

 

[RumpRanger98]

it will help hold the balls

This lady I work with can give you a hand with that, or mouth for that matter sorry, innapropiate

 

[RangerFabWorks]

I can give you a hand with that, or mouth for that matter sorry, innapropiate

now thats really innapropriate. im gonna go now

 

[RangerFabWorks]

im sorry if it offends anyone i will delete it