U-Joint

[C. Poole]

I have a '88 Grand Wagoneer with 142,000 miles. How do you know when a U-joint is going bad? When I put the transmission in gear-from neutral, I hear a slight metallic sound. The transmission fluid level is correct and has been changed in the past 15,000 miles. The rear differential fluid has also been changed. In addition, I hear this same sound when I accelerate from a dead stop. Thanks!

[Joe H.]

It could be a u-joint, or a tranny mount, or any number of things--maybe a worn output shaft??!?!?!?!!?

At any rate, with 142k on the vehicle I'd go ahead and swap all the ujoints out. The front wheel joints can be tricky, so test those first before digging in the replace them. The ones on the driveshaft are easy----------just remember to match-mark the shafts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Jack up your Wag block it good. Place in neutral take hold of drive shaft and try to move it up and down as well as rotated it forward and back do this at each end of the drive shaft no free play or independent movement should be visible. I would say with that mileage you are past due for a U-Joint if they have not been done in the past. ;)