Okay guys, so the vibration I've been having has gotten worse. I suspect the u-joints. So I'm going to tackle this beast for the first time ever. Wish me luck!

Question though, because I'm still a 4x4 noob : if I can take off the front propshaft, lock the diff, and drive it like I stole it - then wouldn't it be the same if I only removed the rear the same and it drive the front wheels?

 

Yep. But drive modestly. I drove around for a couple of weeks on the rear while I had the front shaft out. Takes a long time with a patio slab and two hammers.

 

Thank you Buzz! I drive 16 miles a day. I work in a tool shop and I have a garage, so it shouldn't be but a 2 day job (each prop) I'm hoping. I plan to take out the rear prop shaft first, because I want to remove brake drum also... clean it out, adjust it, put it back on.

Are these uj's pretty much universal, meaning can get them anywhere without ordering? I have never had to do u-joints before, just cv joints on a prelude I had.

 

I can R and R the ujoints on a shaft in 45 minutes using a couple sockets and a bench vise.
The part numbers should be in the Tech write up.

 

Do you have a trick to doing the centering ball?

 

I used a good size nail and vice grips with a slide hammer attached. Hook the head of the nail under the ball and a few good smacks with the slide hammer popped it right out. If you rent the ball joint press (looks like a giant c-clamp) from advance it makes the u-joints pretty easy. For what its worth I have a slight vibration. I have a brand new BPU DC front shaft, rebuilt rear shaft, and have replaced the rear diff. TC output shafts feel good with no play. Pan hard bar bushings and radius arm bushings are next. Trailing arms are johnny joints frame side and orange polys axle side. I'm getting tired of it though! If its not the front bushings I'll do the A-arm and if it still vibes F it!

 

I used to smack em in and out but it can tend to damage things if you get crazy with the hammer, the ball joint press ( big c clamp) is the way to go, I have a hf one works great also have their master adapter kit both work just as good as the expensive brand ones my friend has at his shop fraction of the price

 

Why do these trucks have a Drive Shaft Rubber Coupling?

 

This?

Ball Joint Service Kit for 2WD and 4WD Vehicles

 

Thats the ticket.