hello its a little off topic but i need help i have a 86 dodge 1/2 ton 4x4 that keeps throwing a cap off the drivers side axel U joint if i put it in 4 wheel been doin this ever since the axle bearing was repleaced the little needle bearing the the end of the axle tube i cant figure it out makes the truck shake like Hell any help? Advice?
thanks dennis

 

Are you using the right u joint? Only other thing I can think of is there isn't a tight enough fit between the cap and the "saddles", or there is a crack that isn't noticable and spreads out when under load.
All just thoughts
Justin

 

Are you putting the c clips in the yoke to retain the universal cup in the yoke?

 

Ditto

 

thanks for the replies yes its the right Ujoint or what napa says is the right one the passanger side hasnt moved at all. Ill have to look for a crack i was thinking about maybe welding the cap on the Ujoint an see if that will hold it, what do you guys think?

 

I think NAPA is giving you the wrong U-joint, that U joint should have internal c clips on all 4 caps, if the c clips were installed there would be no way for the cap to come out.

If you weld it, the next time the U-joint goes bad you will have to buy a whole axle to repair it.

 

Yeah welding on the axel is definitly not the best idea.

 

can anyone give me a part number to give to napa for the Ujoint, also if not welding how else would you hold it?
thanks guys

 

That is what the c-clip, snap ring is for, there will either be one on the inside of the yoke that the u-joint is pressed into (internal), or it will be on the outside.

This is a Dana 60, but same concept, my knife point is on the position of the internal C-clip, you must have these installed or the cap will come out, like you are experiencing.

Have you installed these internal C-clips in your U-joint???

 

yes i have ill double check in the morning to make sure its still there
good job with the quick photo excellent help

 

also can anyone give me the size of the axle nut socket, had some tools stolen
thanks again

 

That might take the socket with the 4 pins on the end that fit into 4 slots on the nut.

 

i got it apart the cap an clip are both gone, anyone have any good ideas? thanks

 

How many times has this happened?

 

JD, if you weld the cap to the u-joint the cap will turn inside the yoke instead of pivoting on the needle bearings... won't take long till you'll need a new yoke.

If you haven't bent your drive shaft then the clips must not be holding the u-joint centered. Got any pictures? Lets us take a look maybe we can help.

When you go to Napa get in the old guys line. Usually there pretty smart at solving problem especially if you take the part with you. The young one are lost and to lazy to get the book out if the Napa computer doesn't have the answer.