While in the process of replacing a bad u-joint in the front drive shaft(front u-joint at the differential), I noticed the cv joint on the drive shaft was, for use of a better word, limp. The whole cv joint/flange assembly would just flop over when holding the drive shaft while I had it off the truck. Someone once told me that a cv joint in good condition on a drive shaft will keep the assembly supported and inline with the rest of the shaft. Is that true? I can't detect any play in the joint, it just allows the assembly to flop around. So, is it worn or, at least, about to become a problem? Are there symptoms that go along with a bad drive shaft cv joint? I was planning on replacing the u-joints in that assembly, but, now I think I should pick up a cv ball repair kit since I'll be replacing the u-joints there too. Any advice?

 

true, it should support the weight in the front shaft when new, tho I am not sure how many miles before it will not. The CV ish joint is there to support the double u-joint section- when the ball/cv joint starts to fail it does not give the proper support to the shaft and the 2 adjacent joints will fail soon.

I had a local drive train shop do mine- all joints and the ball joint with US made joints for reasonable (under $150)- could have had them rebalance the shaft for $50, but I don't do high speed 4wd.

 

justme-, thanks for verifying the info. I ordered the cv ball repair kit, cv boot, and, since I noticed the rear output seal on the transfer case has started leaking, one of those too, all from quad4x4 last week. The remaining u-joints, meaning those in the cv joint and two in the rear shaft, are on hold until I get my order. So far, the u-joints at the front hubs and diff side of the front drive shaft are done. It's already made a huge difference in the steering and smoothness of the truck going down the road. Thanks again and just four to go!

 

CV Joint? I have a double Cardan joint on my truck (from memory) but not a CV joint.

Can you post a picture?

 

Thanks Bob- Couldn't remember the proper name for that type of joint- that's it.
Hercules- update us... there is no boot on the cardan joint...only CV joints have boots and there is no real CV joint in these trucks.