removing/replacing ujoints?

[3XBrownCutty]

i don't know if I'm missing something or what, but i cant seem to get the u-joints out of my drive shaft. i actually only tried the one that mates to the diff. didn't try the trans side yet because i got kinda pissed off

I'm using a ball joint press tool with no success.

 

[85GPLef41]

Does it have those plastic retainer pins? I have heard you have to melt them off?? :shock: May be wrong though...

 

[anakputa]

use a torch and melt the plastic. if it has clip make sure you remove them first..I usually install and remove the u-joints by hand. Just make sure you put grease in the cap to keep the needle bearings put when installing..

 

[RITTER]

They would have to be the factory original U-joints if they have the plastic lock in the caps. If you think that might be for case, hold a torch to the cap and you will see this "goo" start to squeeze out (I really don't think they started this back in the 80's)
Be sure you have removed the lock rings :!:

 

[G-Body_Vet]

You can burn them out with a cheap propane torch that you can get at a parts store.

Now here's something VERY important to keep in mind when you do this

Find the little plastic tit that sticks out (usually orange looking in color) and heat that end first at the opening. It will flow outward like a snake as it melts. If you melt the inside portion of the retaining ring while the end that sticks out is still solid and intact, it builds up pressure inside and will come out like a gun shot! Ask me how I know!

Point it away from you while you do it to be safe.

 

[Blake442]

If you don't have access to a torch, just drop your driveshaft off at any local machine shop and they can press the old ones out and the new ones in for you.
When I was building the 442, I just went to the machine shop in town that we took all our motors from the resto shop to during my lunch break and he did it for free and i picked it up on my way home.
You may not be as lucky on the price, but even if they charge you, it won't be much...

 

[3XBrownCutty]

i got the old ones out fine using a balljoint press tool after i melted most off the plastic and they were still hot.

the only problem now seems to be getting the correct ujoint from the parts store. ive gotten the wrong ones a couple times now. i'm taking the old one and the mic with me next time.

 

[jrm81bu]

Depending on where you go, the part number should be 2-3011.

 

[3XBrownCutty]

ill try giving them that part # they gave me 2-0053DL, and 1-0053DL both of which were wrong. thanks!

do you know what parts store? i typed that into advance and autozone and got nothing.

 

[pontiacgp]

and if you do the trans side mark the driveshaft and the yoke so they go back together the same way.