front axle u-joints

[54bobby]

guys, i've had a ticking sound coming from the drivers side front. i was told that it's the axle u-joint. when spinning the wheel you can see and hear that's where it's coming from. question is, what is the part # and best place to buy/ also is it a job that a shade tree mech can do in the yard w/o specialty tools?

[HOrnbrod]

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/universal-joint-for-front-axles-8126637.html

 

[Incommando]

The wheel hubs have to be removed. This requires a large socket ( 36mm IIRC) that few people have laying around. They run from $10- up depending on where you get them.

 

Both removing the shafts and then replacing the u-joints has been covered to death everywhere. If you learn like I do you will benefit from searching them out on YouTube and watching it done.

 

If you have a driveline shop in your area you can take your shafts out and take them there. They will often be able to R&R the u-joints for next to nothing and often while you wait. Spicer u-joints are the way to go, BTW.

[64 Cheyenne]

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/universal-joint-for-front-axles-8126637.html

 

Highly recommend replacing those C clips with full circle clips, especially if you wheel off road often. Why? Under load the u joint saddles can deform, lose the C clip, lose the bearing cap, trash the axle or stub. Guess how i know...first time out with unmodified axles. Had to replace a brand new U joint and trashed stub.Search is your friend....

[Incommando]

 

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/universal-joint-for-front-axles-8126637.html

 

Highly recommend replacing those C clips with full circle clips, especially if you wheel off road often. Why? Under load the u joint saddles can deform, lose the C clip, lose the bearing cap, trash the axle or stub. Guess how i know...first time out with unmodified axles. Had to replace a brand new U joint and trashed stub.Search is your friend....

I did this on my new Spicer shafts with 760 joints. It does require clearance a little bit below each yoke to get the full circle clips on

[HOrnbrod]

Guys, the pic I posted was just part number reference for the OP. I don't recommend these u-joints either; Spicer joints are the only way to go.

[Incommando]

Even the Spicers just come with the smaller clips not full circle ones. :(

[HOrnbrod]

[Blue XJ]

That's a driveshaft ujoint, external clip style. I always thought you couldn't run circle clips unless you ran aftermarket shafts. I will say I haven't broke a ujoint since switching to the full circle clips, I used to break at least one per year before that. I only run Spicer 760's.

[Jeep Driver]

For the type of driving you do, Bobby, you could go with CV shafts.

 

I like mine now that I've switched.

[54bobby]

so if i went with cv shafts what does that involve to convert over? just r and r?

[reubj]

I'm getting ready to tackle this project myself. On the passenger side does the CAD present any problem removing the shaft? Just a spline fit?

Also, is there a way to tell if my front diff is a "C" clip unit without pulling the diff cover?

As always, thanks in advance.

[Incommando]

The c-clip thingy is for the rear. The front axles are retained by the unit bearing not c-clips