Double Cardan U-Joint...Removal?

[LifesGrand]

Hi all,

I had other intentions on fixing up my Jeep, but now I'm just fixing it. I had a bad squeal comming from under my ride. Took out the front drive shaft to learn that the noise went away. Inspected the Double Cardan U-joint and noticed the the center ball seal and such were a mess.

I tried following several write-ups on the removal process such as:
http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/driveshaft/driveshaft-5.htm

I can't seem to remove the first u-joint from it's location. Can someone please help shed some light here. I've used a 19mm socket to try to hammer it out after removing the retaining clips. Do I have to some how remove the caps before it can be removed from it's housing? I'm worried I 'll wreck the u-joint trying to remove the center ball. I know having the right tool for the job helps, but others have done this with just a hammer and socket???

Thanks in advance!

[cLAY]

I like wrenching on my jeep but those Double cardens annoy teh crap out of me. I usually pay around $100 to have DSI rebuild it for me. Or pick a good one up at pick your part for $35. Seems like every time I go there I find one just laying there in mud in good condition....

[LifesGrand]

I like wrenching on my jeep but those Double cardens annoy teh crap out of me. I usually pay around $100 to have DSI rebuild it for me. Or pick a good one up at pick your part for $35. Seems like every time I go there I find one just laying there in mud in good condition....

Does that include new u-joints & center ball @ DSI? I was thinking of picking up a used one also... I'm thinking what your thinking! Double cardan is a real pita...

[calltrex]

i was just at DSI

about $120  with balancing

[RckyMtnTJ]

If you will be doing much in the way of ujoint changes get the Princess Auto ujoint tool.  This might be a stupid question, but did you take out the clips before you tried to knock out the ujoint?  You should be able to push the ujoint all the way one way and take the cap off the ujoint.  Then push it all the way the other way and take the cap off.  Then it should pop right out.  If you buy the tool you may find it invaluable on the trail.  It also takes alot of the stress out of changing ujoints.

[rws]

Changing u-joints is a pain while on the trail.  I just carry a spare front drive shaft from P&P.

[RckyMtnTJ]

It might be a pain, but with the right tool and a couple ujoints I don't have to carry a spare rear driveshaft, spare front driveshaft, spare right front axle shaft, and spare left front axleshaft. 

[XJHERO]

It might be a pain, but with the right tool and a couple ujoints I don't have to carry a spare rear driveshaft, spare front driveshaft, spare right front axle shaft, and spare left front axleshaft. 

So what do you do if the ujoint breaks and ripps the yoke ears off?

[LifesGrand]

Changing u-joints is a pain while on the trail.  I just carry a spare front drive shaft from P&P.

So is this a common issue when trailing? Do the front u-joints break easly? or is this just normal wear & tear? I'm thinking of grabing a spare F drive shaft. I went to forest lawn auto parts, just because their close to my office, see what's up...they want $200 bones, a leg & an arm...

$40 bucks at Napa for the center ball rebuild kit...now to get this dang u-joint out of the way!

[RckyMtnTJ]

So what do you do if the ujoint breaks and ripps the yoke ears off?

Since we are talking driveshaft I assume I would drive out in 2WD.    In the case of ujoints my ujoints can be used by numerous other people if they break theirs and need a spare.  My spare driveshaft and axleshafts likely can't.  Don't get me wrong.  Its nice to have an all set up spare with you.  That might be an option in an XJ, but its often not in a TJ.  I carry a spare driveshaft and axleshaft at camp.  It doesn't take long to swap out a ujoint on the trail if you have the right tool and a ujoint.  I would much rather wheel with someone who has a few basics and can fix his junk on the trail rather than someone who wants to carry everything under the sun and when they can't bring everything they bring nothing.   

[rainemaker]

good call good call!