front U joint replacement

[familyofjeeps]

hey all I am having some difficulties with my 88 XJ and wondering of any one can help out, my front U joints are gone they make a nasty sounds when I am driving and when you get under and try to move them they go any witch way at least 2 inch's and I have new ones just don't know how hard it is to get them in and out ? and could it be part of my problem with my front diff not engaging in 4WD ? thanks all !


family of jeeps 

[Chiram000]

Replacement isn't too bad,  theres a bunch of DIY articles you could search for on the net...

Basically pull wheel, pull caliper and rotor off, remove axle nut (36mm torqued to 175 ft lbs if I recall correctly) so you'll need a breaker bar...
From there Just rent a U joint removal tool from Canadian tire (free but you have to make a 260 dollar deposit) to make your life easier unless you've got some big C clamps and some large  socket to use as a seat... Press the housings in... Insert the C Clips to lock them in place... repeat instructions backwards... done

[Tinkerer]

Or if you expect to do them frequently (this IS a Jeep after all), get a U-Joint tool from Princess Auto and save the outrageous deposit. Mine worked fantastic.  It *was* on sale recently to get rid of excess stock at the NE store in Calgary.

[familyofjeeps]

awesome I will check out the price at Princ. auto if not I will do the deposit for the tool thanks for the info