ujoint install

[finmad]

So I got my ujoints, anyone have some tricks for pressing these into the yoke, transmission shaft end, drive shaft end and rear end. My 1947 WD-15 has the type, whithout end caps to place the u joint and then bolt the end caps around it. Mine has the complete holes that the ujoint caps need to be pushed into then plates are bolted across the end of the ujoint to keep them in there. Trying to press them in  has collapsed two of the needle berring caps at the end of the ujoint cups.

 

[Brent B3B]

Are the caps going in straight or are the bearings falling before they reach the shaft of the u-joint?

I recently cleaned both the cap and the "loop" that holds the cap in place packed the bearings with grease, put a thin film on the cap. And rotate the loop so one is pointing down and started with the bottom one. ( that way the bearings are pointed up)

[Merle Coggins]

I usually use a vice to press the caps into place. A little extra grease on the needle bearings help hold them in place, then hold the cross into the bearing as it's being pressed in to ensure the needles don't fall out. Yours are near flush and retained with the plates, so it's easy. On the ones that have to be recessed for snap rings, I press them flush and then use a socket to press them in further so that the snap rings can be put in.

 

Quick and easy.

 

Merle

[Desotodav]

I use the same method as Merle. Has worked fine for me to date.

[JBNeal]

are these the u-joints ya picked up?  could you share some pics of the new ones, box included?

[Mrbrylcreem]

Something to consider as to vibration on your drive shaft could also be the rear bearing in your gear box. This is often overlooked for the Ujoints.

[finmad]

I was able to press the bearings in with the vice on the yoke and shaft, however I need to install these with the trans and rear end in the truck, so I guess I will just use a large C clamp for those. JB, I got excited and did not take pictures before attempting the install. I ruined the thin caps that hold the needles on two of the crosses. When I get the replacements I will take some pics.