front driveshaft issues

[TJ54]

My front driveshaft is squawking. So I have taken it out. I believe that it is that centering thingy in the CV joint at the back end on the shaft.

Is it as easy as replacing the two u-joints and the piece in the middle, Is it a do-it-your self type job?, Or should I just drop off the shaft at DSI for them to rebuild?  What is the correct name for that centering thingy?
It looks like a simple job, but I have made that mistake before. So I thought I should check with the experts first.

Thanks

Ian

[RckyMtnTJ]

I remember Milan quoting a price from DSI (I believe) that was pretty much worth letting them do the work.  However I would recommend going to Princess Auto and getting a u-joint tool.  When on sale they are about $35.  Do it yourself at least once.  That way you will be familiar enough to do it yourself on the trail, and you will have the tool.    The first time I did it I used the hammer/socket method and it was some work.  With the ujoint tool and a vice, it is pretty easy.

Good luck,

[Losungen]

If there really old a torch is handy too, makes it alot easier. propane torches can be bought dirt cheap.

[BlackYJ]

From what I have heard about these is that it is not the u-joint that is the problem it is the centering thingy.  Go to a greaseable unit and get DSI to do the work because I believe it is not an easy change.  However, this is just what I have heard as my YJ does not have a CV joint.  I know a lot of guys on the ECO board have done this change

[Bnine]

The CV knuckle on your driveshaft does not except the spicer greasable centering ball assembly.

For about 220$ DSI will cut the knuckle off, replace it with a spicer that deos take the greasable one. That 220 includes all the new parts, the labor, balancing, and painting of the driveshaft.

but.........

If you dont have either a 2" body lift, or a easily removable t-case skid, the greasable center section is pretty pointless. You will have to pull the shaft everytime you want to grease it.

Or you can have them rebuild your existing one. The more that is salvageble the cheaper it will be. But even if they replace both u joints and the center ball kit, you are looking around 150 from start to finish.

A good idea is to grab that princess auto joint press and at least tear it apart yourself before taking it in. That way you get an idea of how things work in there. Use lots of penetrating fluid when removing the caps.

Keep at least one of the old joints as a spare and put it in your trail box along with the u-joint press.

Go here for a good walk through on how to service the front CV and whats involved.

http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/driveshaft/driveshaft-1.htm

HTH

Good luck

[Da_chopper]

Before you fork out your hard earned doe. Just buy a grease needle and grease the hell out of it. It should be fine. I am about to do mine if you want I can send you some pics.

[TJ54]

Thanks for everyones advice. I decided to just drop it off at DSI this time, and get it done in a timely manner. Next time I am at  Princess auto I will pick up the u-joint tool, and I will attempt to do it my self next time ( and I'm sure there will be a next time). After reading the the link that Bill posted I'm sure I will be able to manage it.

[Elsifer]

So what did DSI do, and how much?

I've just pulled my front DS, and the CV cup was pooched. It slopped all over the place, except for one direction. It wouldn't go without serious grinding. And the ujoint on the front of the shaft is starting to go, so I'll prolly get a new one, get a fresh set of caps and needles for the old one and keep it as a spare.