I'm pretty sure that I have a u-joint rebuild in my future. The seals at the balljoint, and the seal at the rear have been leaking since I bought my 52 3100 six years or so ago. Just after I bought the truck, I changed fluids. Was shocked to find that my tranny was bone dry and no telling how long it had been that way. I've been filling it up regularly, and seem to be oiling the highway and my garage floor. I've had a hi-frequency vibration that becomes apparent about 35 mph and then seems to smooth out about 45. I'm thinking that vibration is caused by the u-joint which has been starved of lubrication for no-telling how many years. I have searched this forum, and read a lot about the fix. Pretty sure I can handle the mechanics of it. The problem is that I don't have a lift. I've had both my shoulders surgically repaired in the past decade. I cannot lay on my back and hold my arms up for any length of time without being very painful. So, here is my question: I see that there is an access cover in my floorboard that appears to give access to the transmission. It appears to me that with that cover removed, I would have access to the rear of the tranny, u-joint, balljoint, etc.. Yet, I don't see anyone in this forum talking about doing that. What am I missing? Does this sound like a logical, viable way to gain access for this repair? Or, is that cover a booger to remove? Thanks for any help and also any additional guidance for someone attempting this repair for the first time.
