my 94 1 ton seams to go through u joints like crazy. the blocks on the axle seam to be a little out of wack ,could that mean my rear axle is twisted and/or dog tracking a little possibly causing the u joint to wear prematearly. could that be the problem??????

 

I've had a few buddies have that problem, but mine are all original. I think the ears were stretched on the yoke allowing too much side travel for the u-joint and thus taking them out prematurely. They took the shaft and yoke to a driveline shop and had new ones installed and the problem went away.

 

I've had a few rear go out. One was because it was never greased though!duhh

 

Check your pinion angle, it should be equal/opposite to the angle on the T-case, and make sure its straight with the frame, measure from the frame to a bearing cap on the T-case, and the from the frame to the bearing cap on the pinion yoke. Just make sure the frame is the same width at both measurements. I can't remember if the Dodges are straight or not.

 

changed the u joints and strap kit for now but the rear is off by a little bit and the leafs are a little twisted ( think the truck got whacked befor i got it or somthing) my next is new leafs and hardware then a 4 Wheel aligment THANKS 4 the help

 

You better get on those springs quick, it doesn't take long for a U joint to elipse a journal cross. You should have replaced those straps with U-bolts while you were at it, they're a lot easier to work with and a lot stronger, you just drill out the treads and put a bolt through the yoke ear, then put some lock washers and nuts on the other side. I worked for Dana/Spicer for a while as a test engineer...in case you were wondering.

 

Good advice above. Additionally, I'll say that on these trucks, I've only had success replacing the u-joints with Spicer non-greasable joints (like they came from the factory with.) If you use some cheap greasable aftermarket joint (in a yellow box) they seem to fail in a very short time. The non-greasable joints have a much more positive seal on the caps that keeps moisture out almost forever.

 

Yep, good ol' Spicer driveline parts...The greaseables have a cheaper seal on them, made from rubber. The Lifetime Spicer joints have a nice Urethane Slinger on them that we test in a mudbath for 400+hours...98% of the time they pass with ease.

 

thanks for the advice i never would of thought to use u bolts makes sense. im gona get bigger springs bilt on monday so i dont got to weary about lossen the old dana on the high way