Pressing the u-joints on was a relatively easy task. The challenges were mainly aligning the the caps with the t of the u joints to assure the joints didn't pinch and bend the bearing caps when they were being pressed or hammered on....
First, I test fit the t joint or spider into the yoke. I started with the non driveshaft side....
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Remembering this time to not install the grease fitting ensured that I wouldn't risk snapping it off when pressing it back together was helpful. I used my trusty old Reed bench vise to set the u joint caps nice and straight into the yoke...
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I found that using some kind of press to begin the process was very helpful as a I had a hard time setting it straight in just using a hammer and punch. it takes too much force to use a vise grip to press the U-joint on completely but at least getting it started made the whole job a lot easier.
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While hammering a cap in can seem intuitive, it was a bit of a careful balance of striking with force but not too much so as to risk hammering in too far or crooked. The yoke on a sturdy bench with a punch and good weighted hammer will do the job just fine.
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I hammered these caps down checking after every stroke and stopped just after they passed the lip of where the snap ring seats. This was to ensure that if it was a little too loose it could be struck once or twice more without having to somehow hammer it back out because it fit too tight.
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I installed the snap ring on one side before beginning to hammer the other side in. This was to ensure that when hammering the other side in I wouldn't risk backing the first one out.
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Installing the second bearing cap is done by eye and feel. One hand on the t joint/spider and the other on the cap to ensure that the cap slides on and doesn't smash into the lip of the u joint body... I pulled the tea joints halfway up to seat in the lip of the bearing cap while the other half was in the bottom bearing cap that was already pressed in. This just helped with alignment and making sure I wouldn't damage the seal by hammering it in at a slight angle. One swing at a time seeing that it is going on evenly. I checked and rechecked after getting close to the snap ring indent. The fit and the feel of the U joint was fluid and not binding up.. You want the bearing caps down enough that there is no play in the U joints laterally but also not overly smashed on to cause binding up.
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one logical thing that could have been done would have been to measure the final outside diameter of the U-joints and compare it to the stock U-joint dimensions and see if they are at or near tolerance to one another. I didn't do this final measurement but had zero play and also a nice fluid motion in my U-joints and just called it good. It's bolted up easily and smoothly and after bolting the yolk 2 the rear axle and front transfer case I added the grease fittings and filled the U-joints to their capacity. I'm sure servicing extended the life of these joints and hopefully I won't ever have to take them apart again. My eyes will be on the lookout for an adequate replacement none the less like Esteban. Hope this helps anyone who was wondering about servicing or repairing their U joints.
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