69 trunnion joint question

[jode]

I am looking at a 69 J3500 that supposedly has trunnion probs. I am assuming this means that the rubber bushing where the trunnion joint sits is worn out, but that is all the info that i have at this point. Did all late 60s FSJs have trunnions, or only the IFS versions ( I haven't been able to get under there to check it out yet)? How hard are they to replace? How much $$?
Anybody got any experience with this?
TIA

[LRRH]

I believe all FSJs until 71 maybe had the ball&trunnion style rear driveshaft. these are a pita in my opinion....the is a centering pin that needs to be set fairly accurately (like .06 of an inch or something). i replaced the joint and had a shop set the pin for me. when I added the lift I just got a new driveshaft.

[mandoneer]

Whats a Ball & Trunnion ?

[Tad]

Jode,
Just plan on replacing it with a standard yoke and get a drveshaft made up, way less pain for you.

Vmandoneer,
It's a unique yet (IMHO) worthless type of universal joint. Scared me when I saw mine. Will not work with much if any lift. I have a pic of one. I'll try to remember to link it when I get home.

[mandoneer]

Verrdy interresingg...

[LRRH]

Scared me when I saw mine.I was pretty much in the same boat. Once I had the $$ I replaced mine (plus I needed to for the lift!)

[woodybeone]

Changed them on my AMX. I'm sure they will supply as much fun on a J truck ! smile.gif

Here's some info concerning cars AMC Trunnions (http://www.skidmore.edu/~pdwyer/amc/trunnion.htm#intro)

[ May 30, 2003, 02:10 PM: Message edited by: woodybeone ]

[Tad]

Originally posted by LRRH:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Scared me when I saw mine.I was pretty much in the same boat. Once I had the $$ I replaced mine (plus I needed to for the lift!)</font>[/QUOTE]LOL Mike,
I had just finished the lift and drove it, made this awful sound like "CLACK, CLACK, CLACK", thought the thing was going to snap in half. Can't believe I didn't notice it with all that crawling around under there.
Anyway, here's the pic of the little buger.

http://members.cox.net/tadsal/tcasethingy.JPG

Edit: Jode to help answer your question about $$. When I did the swap to regular yoke (thanks porkchop) I contacted a member named Tucson Ric who had a post up about it. He had since sold his wag but remembered it being well over $100 just to have the joint kit parts shipped to the shop that did the work.

[ May 30, 2003, 02:33 PM: Message edited by: tadsal ]

[LRRH]

before I fixed my old one it was missing the boot and who knows how many other pieces!!

[jode]

Crap, that looks like a PITA.
I think I am going to get the truck anyway though...it is in pretty good shape, and with a new paint job..... :D

Originally posted by woodybeone:
Changed them on my AMX. I'm sure they will supply as much fun on a J truck ! smile.gif

Here's some info concerning cars AMC Trunnions (http://www.skidmore.edu/~pdwyer/amc/trunnion.htm#intro)Thanks for the link, I had already searched up that same page on Yahoo, though, and it appears to be talking about the trunnion joint as used in a non-drive independant front suspension setup as a replacement for a steering knuckle or something...something that the cars had, but FSJs dont.

Anybody have any idea what is required to Originally posted by tadsal:
replac(e) it with a standard yoke and get a drveshaft made up...?

It looks like the whole yoke would have to be removed from the T-case, and then a custom driveshaft used....that could get spendy pretty quick :(

[Tad]

If you need the yoke & drive shaft for a Dana 20 I would have those...

http://members.cox.net/chmsawsroofracks/d20yokeshaft.JPG

...email me if interested.

[jode]

for a J 3000?

[Tad]

Hmmm, forgot you were talking truck here. Bet the J3000 has a longer wheelbase.

[Langdon]

Originally posted by tadsal:
If you need the yoke & drive shaft for a Dana 20 I would have those...Tad, I'm interested in the driveshaft and yoke...what engine/trans was it behind? Could I get measurements? Thanks,