I am preparing to replace the U-joints in the front axles this week. I found two different options when searching online. One for a 1.88" Outer Diameter Bearing and one for a 1.375" OD Bearing. Can someone tell me what determines which one I've got?

Thanks.

John

 

I think they might be different because Dodge offered a 3500 lb. axle, and a 4500 lb. axle. My guess is you have the 1.88" Make sure and get the sealed (only Dana Spicer, too!) instead of the greasable ones. The grease channels weaken the joint.

 

I belive all CTD equippted 4x4s have the 4500 lb front axle and I would try to get spicer parts if possible, to much work for cheap parts to go in.

 

Save yourself a lot of grief and go to the off road aftermarket and pick up a set of the new Spicer joints that are built for stout.

 

Thanks for the input everyone. I am leaning towards the greaseable bearings (against everyone's advice) because I dont really need super strength in those joints, they only see a load when it's snowing which obviously would mean I'm not going to be hammering on the truck. I don't do sled pulls, never pull over 6 or 7 thousand pounds, and I go drag racing maybe once a year. I'd prefer the longevity of being able to grease them up when changing the oil.
John

 

hey i've got a 96 2500 and i just replaced the front u-joints on mine last week...it was easy too. i believe you're looking for the 1.88"...also, since you only use the 4 wheel drive occasionally and light duty(snow), definitely go with the greaseable type, the hole for the grease to go through really doesn't make much difference in strength anyway. you might want to look into getting some stronger aftermarket joints, spicer and ctm are the two main ones i know of that make excellent upgraded stuff. i had to go with the cheap ones from pep-boys because i'm on disability right now from a broken leg. make sure you put good grease in the new ones before you assemble the joints in the axles...i've found that synthetic grease works amazingly well, it holds up to water, heat and normal wear and tear exceptionally better than regular grease; you should be able to get it at the local auto parts store, if not you can get it for sure at most marine places...synthetic grease is used a lot in marine applications because of its incredible resistance to moisture. if you've got any other questions i'm willing to help out if i can