u joints on drive shaft

hey. thanks for readin. any ideas would be greatly appriciated. i am replacing the u joints on my 1997 chev 2wd ext cab. i have to replace the carrier bearing as well. got the rear one of of the yoke on the diff. now i cant get any other of the u joints off. we just broke our vice and i have pounded like crazy:banghead:. would it just be easier to pay someone to get them out. thanks

Are the U joints original from the factory?If so,an oxy/acetelyne torch is required to heat the cups up until a white plastic material comes out.Then hammer on the welds on the driveshsaft to get them out.Clean around where the cups go into and you may have to file out burrs too with a round file after it has cooled down

hey. thanks for readin. any ideas would be greatly appriciated. i am replacing the u joints on my 1997 chev 2wd ext cab. i have to replace the carrier bearing as well. got the rear one of of the yoke on the diff. now i cant get any other of the u joints off. we just broke our vice and i have pounded like crazy:banghead:. would it just be easier to pay someone to get them out. thanks

Is it the double joints?
Inside plastic filling locks?
Heat helps melt the plastic.
If pounding on them does not shake them out.
A machine shop with a press may help you out.
Also a press helps on center carrier bearing.
Good Luck

yea there from factory. the have an outer clip. i have never ran into any this solid before. im out of acetelyne. would a propane torch heat them up enough?? on this type of drive shaft there are 3 different u joints and on a weekend a machine shop aint possible

yea there from factory. the have an outer clip. i have never ran into any this solid before. im out of acetelyne. would a propane torch heat them up enough?? on this type of drive shaft there are 3 different u joints and on a weekend a machine shop aint possible


I only use heat on ones with the plastic inside factor locking.
Propane torch might help you.
Press is better.
A impack socket on cap and a big hammer may break them lose but support the back of yoke good.
Good Luck

yea me and my buddy just used a sledge... took alot of poundin but they came out finally. thanks for the help guys

yea me and my buddy just used a sledge... took alot of poundin but they came out finally. thanks for the help guys

You are welcome.
For some reason they are getting harder to remove.
And also I have am having problems with certian brands of u joints not fitting good on u joint crosses being to wide.
Good luck

yea me and my buddy just used a sledge... took alot of poundin but they came out finally. thanks for the help guys

I have used a propane turbo torch , heat up until it smokes and the locking material oozes...then press out or get the big hammer..when still smoking hot...

so far no problems...

cutting torch is over kill...

I agree with JCat a propane torch always worked for me. If they don't have a clip on the end you can remove you need a propane torch.