Spicer U-joint removal

[Jambo1]

It has been asked before I know. I looked it up but mine seem different. Im removing the original Spicer u-joints from the front axle shaft. There is suppose to be a retaing clip between the u-joint cap and the yoke ear. Im suppose to remove the clip with a small screw driver and the u-joints should come out easy.

Problem: I dont see any retaining clips on the inside part of the u-joint, only the bearing cap seal. I think I may just cut apart the grease seal and start hammering the you know what out of it.

How do I get these out? Also, are they the same u-joints as the one you get for the front drive shaft? I have a few of those laying around.

Thanks.

[gsmikie]

get a small scribe and scrape around the inside of the u joint cap all the way around and you will see the clip

[Jambo1]

Got it!!!! Thanks guys!!! Can you say 22 years of road dirt and rust? It looked like it was part of the yoke ear cast. :D :D

[gsmikie]

cool tongue.gif

[Jambo1]

Well I thought I had it. I got the snap rings out. All four of them But the bearing caps arent budging. Im not sure what to hammer on. Im assuming the cast that held the clip is part of the bearing cap that sould be punched out the yoke ear? Whats the easy way to do this?

[88GW]

To get them out I usually hit the caps with a ball peen hammer on a vise to loosen them up a bit. One will usually move easier than the other. Start with that one first. Open up your vise so the exposed bearing caps are resting on the vise. You can usually tap around the ears of the shaft to pop the first cap out. I then flip over and repeat procedure. Install new ujoint and tap new caps in place. I f ujoint is very tight because u drove them in too far you will have to relieve the tension on the caps by using similar method as you used to get the caps out of shaft. I would suggest using a board on the vise as not to damage the new joint and caps. If you do not do this step you may experience binding, vibration and you could spit the new c-clips out because there is no pressure on them. Hope this helps.

[Jambo1]

Thanks for the help. I finally got it. And it runs sweet now with no clanky clank in the front end. The u-joints were toast. They were rusted and there was no grease in them at all and all the bearings had fallen out of them. So just a update. Thanks again for the help. This website is worth it's weight in gold.
:D :D :D :D

[gsmikie]

gold???????..........................

[CowKiller]

how heavy are we then? i want to be gold. all 180lbs of gold. lol

[Jambo1]

Lets just say, you guys saved me major labor costs at the mechanics. I would say in the work Ive so far it probably would have been a couple grand in labor costs. I can use that money on something else.......hmmmm lets see....what can I get now?

[myvalk]

i second that .
ive just bought a jeep , and just started looking here for help.
great site

[ChickenTender]

I Third that!! :D

[CowKiller]

i quess i forth it if that is possible?

[gsmikie]

you could always buy more jeeps......................... tongue.gif

[MONOLITHIC]

I'll take a 5th :D Mine are in the same sorry shape.... BONE HEAD Previous Owner (BHPO) :mad:
Since were on the subject I want to replace wit ones that have grease fittings. Whos got the best ?

[ August 05, 2002, 08:22 PM: Message edited by: MONOLITHIC ]