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Put the vehicle on a level surface, chock the front wheels, jack up the rear and install jackstands. Then you can remove the two U-bolts that fasten the rear U-joint and driveshaft to the pinion gear flange.
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After removing the U-bolts, pry the driveshaft forward into the transmission with a large screwdriver or pry bar. It should slide forward enough on the tranny splines to drop down clear of the pinion yoke.
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Drop the rear of the driveshaft until it clears the rear end and pull it rearward until the front driveshaft slip yoke pulls all of the way out of the transmission. Because the rear of the vehicle is raised, no trans fluid should leak out.
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This car had the OEM U-joints replaced, so the U-joint is retained by internal C-clips instead of the injected ring of polymer the factory uses. If your vehicle's U-joints are retained by factory "goop," just press them out. (It takes a lot of force.)
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After removing the C-clips, press the U-joint out one side of the 'shaft, remove the bearing cap and then press the U-joint and bearing cap out the other side. After both bearing caps have been removed, the U-joint "cross" can be angled enough to remove it from the driveshaft.
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U-joints are relatively inexpensive but have precision needle bearings. Purchase quality U-joints such as these Federal-Mogul parts which come with new C-clip retainers and zerk fittings.
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The first step to reinstalling the new U-joints is to remove the bearing caps and needle bearings. Carefully "twist" the cap back and forth as you remove it and the bearings should stay in place. If not, use wheel bearing grease to hold them in place.
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Slip the U-joint "cross" into the driveshaft bearing loops. It takes a little finagling to get the U-joint into position.
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The new bearing caps are then pressed into the driveshaft with a U-joint press. We purchased this one from Harbor Freight on sale for about $23. When you're doing the job, it seems priceless. Make certain that the U-joint cross is aligned with the caps while pressing in place.
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After pressing the new U-joints in place, the internal snap ring C-clips are pushed in place by hand. The U-joint must be perfectly centered in the driveshaft to install the C-clips.
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On the transmission end of the driveshaft, the slip yoke must be installed on the other axis of the U-joint. It is the same procedure as installing the U-joint into the driveshaft.
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The finishing touch is to screw in the zerk fittings that will enable you to grease the U-joints before driving the vehicle. Squirt the slip yoke with lubricant before sliding it back into the transmission. Re-attach the rear U-bolts, grease the U-joints and you're ready to ride!
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