Had a clicking noise coming from the front end again and dealer says it's a front axle u-joint. This will be the third time replacing them in only 81k miles. Am I doing something wrong here or are they really that weak? I never run the truck in 4wd on dry surfaces but I do run it on the beach occasionally, could sand be getting in these sealed u-joints? Considered the EMS hub system but for now I am still under extended warranty and the work is covered so after the warranty expires I think I'm going for it. Any one know what a reasonable install price one should expect to pay for the EMS? Any good shops in the northwest NJ area?

Thanks,
Sticky

 

Not sure what to say but go with a differant brand. I have 150K on mine and still running good..... knock on wood

 

I'm getting u-joints installed in a couple of days. My dealer has 2 options, one an exact replacement of the factory installed u-joints - sealed units. The option that I'm getting installed have grease fittings, hopefully these will last longer than 110,000 km ~70k miles.

 

Greaseable ones are a WAY better option as long as you grease them. If a cup gets damaged or anything, the others will dry out and are toast instantly. Greaseable ones are also cheaper FYI. They should last longer, but sealed units are retarded so who knows.

 

My dealer didn't give me any options so I guess they will be installing the same crap OEM ones.

Sticky

 

Are you washing your truck when you get home from the beach? I pressure wash my truck after every surf-fishing trip with the lowest pressure nozzle kept a fair distance away from the truck. Do not apply direct high pressure water to the u-joints as it will force water/sand inside the cups.

 

Yea, I just rinse everything off with a garden hose. I do run the beach with a 3500-4500lb truck camper on board so maybe it's just too much stress on the front u-joints. I imagine this top heavy weight can also be suspect of the premature ball joint failures too. Anyway, work is done and the noise is gone so lets see how long it'll go this time.

Sticky

 

I had mine done at 66k Now the left front is making noise. I plan on changing it to a greasable one

 

Once I get my truck back with the invoice, I'll post the Mopar part number for the greaseable u-joints.

 

I agree. Those 4x4 miles on the beach w/camper must be pretty hard on the front u-joints. Kind of a play/pay situation. 4500lb? That slide-in must be a palace!

 

The part number from my work order is V8016665AA for the greaseable u-joints. I guess we'll see how much longer these last over the factory ones