It's looking like I need to replace them. How much of a pain is it going to be?? Looks like it might be a job to do the ones closest to the t-case, IDK.

 

I am working on that job right now... To start, it was a pain to remove the shaft. The front bolts are T40 (need a long torx key, or a very thin socket and extension) I will be installing M8 hex head bolts when I put it back. There's also red loctite (use heat) on the front bolts, blue loctite on the t'case flange bolts.

As for the u-joints, I'm having a tough time beating them out of the yoke. The CV ball and spring looks like it may be tricky, but doable (there's lots of info on other 4x4 sites about the double cardan CV joint). If anyone can provide any advice, it would be appreciated.

I have almost 200,000 km on the front shaft with all original joints, so I hope I don't have to do it for another 200k.

 

just did it, pain job. ended up buying a whole new assembly because the cardain joint as also bad and i was looking almost 400 in parts. or buy a whole new one for 420. much eaiser. pricey and that sucked.