I have a 98 blazer. Basically it has been a decent suv except for needing a new u joint and the sound of the turn signal starts up and stops any time it feels like it. Has anyone else had to replace a rear u joint. Everyone states it should just pop out in a vise; but mine is not.

Being a dealer tech I have replaced many U joints!! The factory originals are installed using a tretainer made out of plastic and you will never remove them easily. I usually use a torch to melt the retainer and then beat the u joint out with a 4 pound sledge hammer. But to remove or install a u joint you need to use a arbor press to puch out the joint and install the new joint.

The bigger trucks use retainer clips that can be removed and re-installed.