Replacing U-Joints, new ones don't fit?!

[demian5]

Popped out my u-joints using the hammer, wood block, impact socket and drift method (on the concrete floor.

New U-joints are the right part number, dimensional - look to be the exact same size but upon installation (using my bench vice), the damn clips wont go in on both sides, and when I get them both in, the U-joint is so tight it won't pivot.

I didn't have to beat it up much to get the joints out, could it have pinced the driveshaft????

[randy500]

The yoke could be a little pinched, no biggie, get both snap rings in then support both of the cups not in the shaft, rap on the shaft to beat the cup into the clip, turn over do the same to the other side, the joint should move freely, the cup will probably be pushing out the middle of the clip, no worries there either.

[demian5]

Originally Posted by randy500

The yoke could be a little pinched, no biggie, get both snap rings in then support both of the cups not in the shaft, rap on the shaft to beat the cup into the clip, turn over do the same to the other side, the joint should move freely, the cup will probably be pushing out the middle of the clip, no worries there either.

Did that and it was still tight. First time I EVER experienced this and it was on the transmission yoke itself. I may just drop it off and have them replaced and have the shaft balanced. its pretty reasonable.

[Shinysideup]

Too much grease added in cups?

[paulspickupparts]

The yoke may be slightly compressed when you installed the joint . Try to spread your yoke a little.

[cleszkie]

One of the needle bearings fall out of a cap and end up stuck between the end of the trunion and inside end of cap? This will keep the cap from fully seating on the trunion.

[alsriv2]

I did this on an '83 Chevy truck that had used some sort of liquid plastic to hold the joints in place. Used a hydraulic press instead of the hammer method though and ruined my driveshaft. didn't realize any damage had occurred until I got the truck finished and hit the highway transferring to a new Air Force base. Couldn't do over 50mph as the balance on the driveshaft was so bad it was shaking the truck terribly. I wish you the best and hope there is no lasting damage or balance issues.

[Richard]

I second checking the needle bearings. When I ended up with tight ujoint after installing the clips. A few whacks with a hammer on the ears usually backed the ujoint cups out enough for clearance.

[Bigdav160]

Or inexpensive chinese u-joints.
They can be slightly oversized. I found this out more than once. I stick with spicer brand when I can.

[CCCC]

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

Or inexpensive chinese u-joints.
They can be slightly oversized. I found this out more than once. I stick with spicer brand when I can.

This is probably the answer to your question. Had this experience with a 2007 Dodge truck. The new joint crosses were Chinese made, too long, and I had to grind a bit off the ends so that the caps would seat and joint go together. If your needles are in there properly and one or more have not fallen down, measure the lengths of removed vs. replacement. Yes, good idea to stay with Spicer.