The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun U joint removal problem.

Last night I put the 4.10 third member in the truck and decided to look at the u joints while I was there and clean and grease them.
With drive shaft in hand I took the retaining clips out and set to hitting the cap on one side to drive the cap out of the opposite side, the problem is that the cap comes out about 3/4 of the way and it will go no further.
It looks like someone installed them, both front and middle, backwards so that the bulge from the grease nipple is inside the rigid side of the yoke instead of on the removable side and the bulge hits the yoke and won't let it move any further to push the cap out.
Does this sound right or am I missing something. It's been 25 years since I had to replace a u joint, maybe my technique is flawed..
The caps I was able to remove show brunneling and need replacing immediately, looks like a Spicer 1350 series is the way to go.
I can cut these out with my portable band saw, but i'd really like to see if i'm missing something or not.

Thanks,
Jeremy

If I remember correctly you remove one cap out the side and then force the joint into the side without the cap. Then with the other cap off you can get it out. For persuasion you should the support the joint by the legs at 90 degs and tap on the driveshaft yoke. I use a U-joint/ball joint tool to do the job.

I know one cap comes out, then you remove the joint, then remove the other cap.
The problem i'm having is that I can't get the joint to move far enough to press the first cap out. There is a bulge where the zerk fitting screws in and its keeping the joint from moving far enough.
Maybe I should have taken photos...

Here is your solution!
#1 REMOVE the offending Grease zirk using 1/4 or 3/8 inch open end wrench
#2 If U Joint refuses to move, get B.F.H. from tool box and "Gently Persuade" it!
Any more questions, Please dont be afraid to ask!

I did the U joints yesterday and found out what my problem was.
The front yoke was twisted and bent.
I managed to get it straight enough after a couple of hours....
everything is back in the truck now and working well. Its amazing how much noise you live with in one of these old truck only to find that after you repair one piece that the noise you were living with is now gone.

Jeremy

you will be better off getting that d/shaft repaired or replaced. odds are that it will not take that long to take out that ujoint again. it won't be true
ron