I was working on the truck today trying to get it ready to drive across the continent from southeast to way northwest; you know, oil change, and finally getting around to replacing the front axle hubs and u-joints. Those hubs by the way are a PITA to get off, bent an extension and ruined a few sockets in the process but finally got them off. When trying to pop out the old u-joints after soaking them in PB blast I was able to get half of the caps off to separate the stub shaft from the passenger side axle shaft. When I went to press out the remaining caps of the u-joint I ended up bending the flange on the yoke a little bit .The u-joint is still in there and hasn't budged ( yes the c-clips are removed).
My next course of action is to use a torch to heat everything up and get it nice and loose.

Finally to my question: can I bend the yoke back out to spec and be fine or am I running a big risk of vibrations and other very bad things? I would normally just replace it but I'm having a hard time finding anything local and I need my truck back up ASAP because I am moving on Friday.

Thanks for the help
-Adam

 

they should pop out fairly easy with a press, I bought one on sale at harbour frieght for under $150 bucks, you will make your money back the first time you use it, and with our trucks you will prob. be changing u-joints often.

 

I was using a press, I think that I just need to heat it up with a torch. Those things are seized in there good.

 

If you get it straight you will be fine. No vibrations. I would just get to your destination and then replace it.

Have a safe trip!