NathanJay

The application is for a 2001 Cherokee 4wd, front drive shaft. My question is twofold:

First, there are 3 u-joints on the front drive shaft. Are all 3 the same? On visual inspection they all look the same but I just want to confirm. I've found a TON of posts on u-joints but no direct answer if these will work or not. I see a lot of people using the Spicer 5-1310X part number but with no reference to which u-joint this replaces. (Which makes me think it can be installed in all 3 locations.)

Secondly, I ordered these Spicer 5-153X u-joints:


They seem to have a shorter cap height than the stock ones when I hold them side by side, but overall are the same dimensions. Are these ok to use or should I return them for the Spicer 5-1310X u-joints?


Thanks all, appreciate the help.

Strmtrooper70

Yes you are correct they are all the same type of u joint and Spicer are some of the best you can get. I attached a picture of the ones you need I recently replaced mine so I'm 100% sure that's the part number.

NathanJay

Yeah, I've seen the 5-1310X part number used for the drive shaft in many posts. It appears the ones I got (5-153X) have 2 differences, the caps are slightly shorter and there is a zerk fitting on them. Just wondering if I can still use them or have to return them?

I'll try and get a picture of them side by side this evening.

Strmtrooper70

If it isn't such a big hassle just go replace them for the others.

JamromXJ

I bought the Moog's for my rear drive shaft and am now returning them. There is definitely a difference in length, even if it's tiny. Getting both clips in is a *****, and once I have them pressed in, the yoke is tight and hard to move.

The Spicer joints look beefier and better made than the Moogs. The cap is just a tiny bit shorter which makes a world of difference to the fit.

You made the right decision.

Hope that helps.

JR

Stabsthedrama

I just did my rear with Moogs and nothing more than a hammer and a socket...without issues. If anything you would want the taller cap for less (microscopic) play, which (can) turn into vibration way down the line.

If the yoke is tight you smack it with a hammer... and they free right up. Basically every time I have ever done them they're stiff until I smack the shaft a bit....lol.

The Spicer's might be made better, can't really comment on that - I suppose I'll do my front DS with them. I already did my axle and rear ds with moog non-greasables and they seem fine. They were sure as hell better than the 1989 Spicer's I pulled out.

I actually got a free one for my rear ds cuz for some reason the dude at Advanced rang the up 2 as one. Score.

NathanJay

Here's a picture of the two universal joints side-by-side. You can see on the one on the right, the cap is a little shorter than the one on the left. I'm holding the ujoint starting at the base of the stock one.

Strmtrooper70

Just exchange them. I wouldn't run something smaller it may fit loose and cause chaos.

NathanJay

Wow... sorry about that MASSIVE picture. I uploaded it from my phone and apparently it doesn't get sized down when you do that.

I grabbed the u-joints and am going to exchange them. I think they'd fit but it seems the consensus is to go with what is known to be right. As usual, I appreciate the help everyone.

Nathan