[Archi-jp]

After doing virtually no maintenance for the first 131,000 miles, I got to wondering.
How tough is it to replace my u-joints in the D30 & driveshafts?
I'm thinking with the right tools, I may be able to tackle it...any ideas?
Which u-joints are the best to go with- spicers or something in that price range that are greasable?

[k7mto]

Replacing the u-joints is pretty simple. The axle joints will require pulling the hubs to get the axle out but that's easy too. Among other tools, a vice and large c-clamp will make the job easier but if they've been in there for 131000 miles, it may take some beating with a hammer to get the old ones out.

Upgrading to Spicer 297's is popular as they're much stronger than stock, but keep in mind making your u-joints tougher moves the weak link to either your hubs or your ring & pinon, both of which are more expensive to replace than u-joints.

Here's a nice writeup on the process...

http://www.madxj.com/MADXJ/technical/techn...297andSeals.htm

Whether you go with beefy u-joints or stock, stick with genuine Spicer parts.

[Alex]

nongreasable. they seem to last longer and keep the grease in much better.

[jeepincj78]

Archi-jp, on Jul 13 2006, 10:27 PM, said:

After doing virtually no maintenance for the first 131,000 miles, I got to wondering.
How tough is it to replace my u-joints in the D30 & driveshafts?
I'm thinking with the right tools, I may be able to tackle it...any ideas?
Which u-joints are the best to go with- spicers or something in that price range that are greasable?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RussellRowell]

jeepincj78, on Jul 24 2006, 07:13 AM, said:

Archi-jp, on Jul 13 2006, 10:27 PM, said:

After doing virtually no maintenance for the first 131,000 miles, I got to wondering.
How tough is it to replace my u-joints in the D30 & driveshafts?
I'm thinking with the right tools, I may be able to tackle it...any ideas?
Which u-joints are the best to go with- spicers or something in that price range that are greasable?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with jeepinc78. I have 250k on my jeep GC and haven't had to replace any u-joints. Not even the VC in my np249

[NonStop]

250k without replacing the VC in a ZJ has to be a record, I have rarely seen them go past 110k with good driving and no froading, but with nominal beatings they last typically between 70-90k miles... Awesome...!!! My 95 got 5 oil changes before the first 249 went warranty, then 60k for round 2.. then at 90k or so a 231 stopped the need
I just did a check today on my Dubs underside and found that the Ujoints I replaced at 22k miles are rock solid, not touchin em... Buit if yer there for another reason, the $$ are well worth it, I keep the old parts as spares...
Does this Jeep see any wheeling, if not, leave em be is my take...

[Archi-jp]

Sure it sees the off road- just not as much as it wants to see...
I'm looking at doing them because they're surrounded by rusty dust & want to take a preventative approach to keeping her on the road...
NONSTOP- when are we going to wheel around Boca sometime soon? We talked about it when we were at Corbett...