I am replacing rotors and pads this weekend and I noticed the other day my U-joint is starting to fail. Not bad yet, but since I will have it tore apart anyway, I am going to replace it. Well, I found several options for the u-joint, even asked a mechanic at a dealer to run my VIN, but cannot find for certain which u-joint I need. I do not have a caliper to measure which cup is currently on the truck, so I am turning to you guys, the experts. I would hate to have to buy both of them and then return the one I don't need.

I know I have the 8800GVW and the Dana 60 front end. I would assume it would the larger axle, but I want to be certain.

Thanks

 

Go to Spicer and download their catalog which includes the 1997 model year of Dodge Ram. It will show you the part and part number which you can either use to buy a Dana Spicer part or cross reference to the brand of your choice. Beware, 300 plus page .pdf file but nice to have anyway. DIRECT LINK:
http://www2.dana.com/pdf/X510-9.pdf

 

Dana 60 is the model you need it for.

The 44s were used in gassers.

 

Your door jam has a sticker on it telling GVW, and being a diesel 2500 its GVW is 8800 or 8500, but as noted above it should be Dana 60. Go to Oreileys aka Murrays and put in your make and model. RockAuto lumps everything they sell together, making it confusing, putting 2500, 1500 stuff together even when you specify make and model so I do as I described above.
I saved $100+ on a bunch of parts using RockAuto compared to the EXACT units sold and Murrays, even after shipping!!! FYI...............

 

The best joint I have ever used is the Spicer Life non-greasable joint. The part number you need for your front axle u-joint is 5-806X

 

I got the Duralast 3-0332DL from AutoZone. Haven't installed them yet, but seem to be a perfect match. You want the ones with 1.375" cups, I believe. $28 with a 2 year warranty. I love RockAuto, but couldn't find the exact specs on the joints from their site. The AutoZone ones look pretty beefy, though, and are greasable.