Installed new u joints on the rear drive shaft. The front that goes into the transfer case is smooth in all directions but the rear u joint by the axle is stiff. I can twist the you joint from left to right but it takes some effort to do so. Is this OK?

 

Your u joint should be smooth. Not stiff. Did you use any grease on reinstall?

 

They are greased...maybe one of the little pins fell out on install?

 

Did you grease them or was it the grease that they came with? If it was the grease they came with usually it only enough for shipping and you need to add more. And you the needle bearings could have fallen over when you put it back together.

 

If the needle bearing fell out would it effect the u joint?

 

Maybe a needle broke during install and is now binding it. I've done this once..
Pretty much if that's the case. I'd pull it apart and inspect..and if so get another one.
You should be able to return it as a defect.

 

if you got the snap ring back on, then you probably didn't drop a needle bearing.

they get stiff when you press them in and usually have to strike the yoke with a hammer and punch to open it up some. this will make it smooth.

 

Or this. ^^^^^^^

 

x3

I'll rap the cast yokes a few times with the minisledge to "loosen" it up, center the caps, whatever you want to call it.

 

x4 bolt it up and drive it like ya stole it ...lol...

 

^^ That.

Whack the center cross with a hammer, towards the stiff bearing cap on one side, then the other. That normally frees them up. If you had a bearing crunched up in there, aside from having to use a press to get the cap back on, it'd feel rough and notchy, not just stiff.