Trapper400

Have a question about the rear driveshaft u joints. Mine started squeaking a few days ago and I bought new ones. The new ones have the external retaining clips but the old ones do not and have the plastic “nipples” on them that I guess I have to melt first. Will the new ones with external clips work since my old ones do not have external clips? The ones I bought are Precision part# 351A. I’m on the road and found somewhere I can get this done tomorrow evening so any input is much appreciated!

jstapler313

clips will work fine. Make sure retaining groove is clean and clips are fully seated.

jstapler313

Will work fine.

1-2-3

Use ample heat to get all of the plastic out. It should squirt out of the hole when it comes out so be aware to not get it on you. A small brake hone run inside the bore will make it a whole lot easier to reinstall. The groves are there for the new clips.

Trapper400

Thank you all for your responses. I got
this knocked out the other day and that plastic crap is a real pain! Little bit of irritation along the way as to why the manufacturers use that stuff.

Fordzilla

Because it's cheaper to produce on the assembly line, and works well for its intended purpose of holding the u-joint in place...Plus engineers make enough money to hire someone else to work on their vehicles......Ben