How to Install Universal Joints on Trucks

The universal joint--also called the U-joint--connects a pickup truck's drive shaft to the transmission. As its name suggests, the joint is installed in essentially the same manner on all trucks regardless of the make or model. The joint is composed of multiple parts that must be replaced/installed within the drive shaft yoke. Installing the universal joint requires some professional-level tools and is best left to the experts.

Instructions

Removing the Drive Shaft

1

Raise the truck's rear end, and support it on jack stands with the transmission in neutral, the parking brake off and the front wheels blocked.

2

Mark the relationship between the drive shaft and pinion flange with washable paint to make sure you reinstall it in the same position.

3

Loosen and remove the universal joint's bolts and straps. Place a screwdriver through the drive shaft yoke to keep the shaft from turning, and use a flare-nut wrench on the bolts.

4

Remove the drive shaft from the flanges by prying the U-joint away from the mating flange, then lowering the shaft's rear end. On a two-piece drive shaft, remove the nuts from the center support bearing.

5

Wrap a plastic bag over the transmission housing to prevent contaminants from entering; use a rubber band to secure the bag.

Installing the U-Joint

6

Pry the snap rings out of the U-joint's yokes with a small pair of pliers.

7

Place the joint inside a workbench vise with a socket on each of the bearing caps--one socket slightly larger in diameter than the caps and the other one smaller. Use the vise and sockets to push one cap out, then switch the caps and repeat to push out the other.

8

Pack the new universal joint's bearings with grease, following the specific lubrication instructions included with the servicing kit.

9

Insert the U-joint "cross" within the yoke, and partially install one bearing cap into the cross. Partially install the other cap, align the cross into it and press the caps into position with the vise.

10

Install the snap rings into the bearing caps with needle-nosed pliers. If the rings won't fit, strike the yoke with a brass hammer to relieve the tension and spring the yoke ears.

11

Install the drive shaft back onto the truck.