U-Joints
 

I'll be replacing my u-joints so i was wondering if there was any tip to make it any easier or any special cheap tool i should get along the way. I also will be reverting back to the write-up on here for tips.
Thank you!

I just replaced mines today. A lot easier if you pull the driveshaft well IMO anyways. To remove the u-joint fromt he driveshaft I pulled the retainer clips. Then I put a 13mm socket on one end of the joint and banged it out with a hammer. Ive fixed it on the trail like this before so I dont see anything wrong with doing it this way. If you have access to a shop press it would make it easier.

as long as you don't bend the ears on the shafts, then a hammer and socket really is the best way.

I have helped my dad replace 4 u-joints in a muddin truck and we just used a socket and beat em out and we had it done in about an hour, never have did it another way and it works every time.

The hammer method does work. If you have a vice you can press them back together with less chance of knocking a needle out and ruining the joint.
The best way is to get a ball joint press, a large HD C clamp for pressing ball joints. OTC makes a high quality one. Astro Tools makes the same one for half the price. You may be able to rent one from the local auto parts store.
After removing all the clips and pressing the old joints out, clean the yolks and remove any burs. Put the cross through one side of the yolk and place a cap on it. I press the first cap too far in to allow the second cap to ride in the cross so the needles are supported. Put the retainer clip on the first cap before pressinf the second cap in so you know when to stop. You will want to strike the shaft so that all the clips are snug against the caps. This will allow the joints to move freely. If using greesable joints in the drive shaft I try to make the fittings all face the same way. Makes for easier greasing.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net..._6516630_n.jpg

I wasnt sure if I was the only person doing it this way LOL. Sometimes I get crap for incorrectly or "barbarically" as he puts it, installing parts on the jeep from my shop professor. But its worked well so far and much easier to replace out on the trail. BTW you might want to consider doing this also:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/re...version-28141/

Ive done it on my front and rear yokes and it works great. And if you ever break on the trail fixing it is pretty easy if you keep a spare retainer kit.

Haha my professor taught us to use sockets and hammers. But I do have the ball joint press. And IMO, hammers & sockets vs. Ball joint press? Hammers and sockets all day.

Hammer and sockets! Never failed me on the trail or when I fragged my rear joint pulling out of a quick stop :-)

Gotta love em :)

I found that the best way to free a frozen in u-joint is sockets and a bench vice. crank it until it won't move, and hit the joint itself with a hammer (not the shaft ears, my friend bent his and trashed the shaft)
Also lots of PB blaster. When you put the new one in, cover the caps and holes in the shaft with heavy duty grease to keep the rust off.

Thank you guys a bunch! This is why I love this site!! :cheers: