how hard is it to repair rear drive shaft u joints

 

not too difficult...if you have the right tools..

you absolutely need a table vise..(essential home mechanics tool..check harbor freight or local tool store to get one)....

you will need some large sockets to push caps....

Depending on the u-joints, you might need snap ring pliers to remove snap rings..(or some fancy screwdriver work to remove and re-insert snap rings)

At the shop I would use a tool that was like a big "U" to set the drive line in to help remove u-joints.....but you could use a table vise.....

you set driveline into "U" with horizontal u-joint collar arms on the tips of the "U"

then smack down on the drive-line with a mallet to push the u joint caps out the top (use a piece of wood to avoid damaging the drive-line if using a hammer)

dont smack the driveline in a spot where you could put a dent into it...smack it on u-joint collar...

but that was with knowledge and experience...

if you have never done it...check these websites for directions.. be carefull to make sure roller pin bearings dont get knocked out of alignment when inserting u-joint caps onto u-joint collar! be liberal with the grease and goop it up to hold pins in place...

http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_...41.html?page=1

or

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/comp...placement.html

don't over-tighten caps onto u joint center collar...should be snug, but movable by hand...lube it up really good with zerk fitting

Make sure to have catch pan ready when you pull drive-line...or you will have a puddle of tranny fluid on your floor!! it might leak a quart...

 

very nice and informative post.