Does anyone have trick for pressing out the old u joints with out "springing" or bending the yoke?? I've done 2 very carefully and supported the yoke but have sprung the yokes.

 

I found that if you put them in the press and put a little pressure, then take a hammer and hit the yoke a couple times everytime you press it a little more, it usually pops loose fairly easy.

 

Exactly what I did. Still tweeked yokes. Whole job was a pain especially hub removal. They were badly rusted in. Truck only has 77000 miles and is not offf roaded. U joints were really seized.

 

Don't use a press. Get a big vise and support the yoke opposite of the cap you want to remove. You just open the vise wide enough to straddle the vertical cross while supporting the opposite yoke.

Then take a big hammer and (after removing any clips) smack the yoke downward, forcing the cross up against the cap you want to remove. It will usually come right up. If it doesn't come completely free, you can grab it with a pair of pliers and twist it right out. Turn it over and repeat. I have done a few hundred this way.

 

x2 on not using a press, i use the 2 socket / hammer method with a block of wood supporting the yoke, might be tough on badly siezed joints though..