Time for new U-joints

[malletslinger]

My 89 2.8 RS is still running strong(as strong as can be expected) with about 165k mi on the engine. I had a complete tranny rebuild 3 years ago and told them to replace the U-joints(both of them) while they were working on the trans...they only replaced the front one, and it is a non-sealed type(grease fitting)
So I still hear clunking under initial load because the rear U-joint is toast And I think it is also contributing to a vibration problem that I want to get rid of. (vibs drive me nuts!!!)
I would like to replace both of the u-joints with new sealed-type u-joints.
This is one job Im not looking foreward to...
Any hints, tricks, and advice would be great...also, what brand u-joint do you guys recommend, or is there even a difference?
Thanks

[cuda_dude]

I've always used napa's and they arent sealed.... im not sure if they make an aftermarket sealed one..... I've never looked into it... anyways... 1st mark the yoke position and everything else on the driveshaft so it gets put back together in the same manner... otherwise it could get out of balance... 2nd get yourself a press or a U joint service clamp tool (sell them at harbor freight) otherwise you will have one hell of a time.... make sure to take the snap rings off of the front U joint (since it has been replaced) before you try to put pressure on it ... and on the original one your going to have to use some heat to melt the nylon lock out from the inside... other than that you should be alright...

[FormulaLT1]

I install PDQ heavy duty joints. They carry them at advance auto and I believe auto zone. They are rated very well and have yet to have a complaint.

[blindeyed]

Well why don't you shell out $150 and just buy a whole new aluminum driveshaft from the gentleman above me. That way you would be replacing both u-joints, reducing the weight of your car, and reducing the stress on your engine and tranny by switching to the lighter driveshaft. It's a really good investment IMO.

[FormulaLT1]

LOL, nice salesmanship there Blindxeyed . I can provide you with a aluminum LS1 driveshaft with working order used U-joints for that or you can take one with new u-joints pressed on lubed and ready to install for $170.00. Either way , no vibration and no need to worry about having new u -joints pressed on.

Edit- Those prices are shipped incase I didn't make that clear.

[blindeyed]

Eh what can I say. So um... am I getting commission for this? I don't work for free ya know

[FormulaLT1]

Sure, I will have Kasey limp out to the mail box and shoot you a box of keebler elf cookies

[malletslinger]

The LS1 driveshafts are the same size as the 3rd gen driveshafts?
Are they the same for the V8 and V6? Manual and auto?
Were all LS1 driveshafts aluminum?

[FormulaLT1]

Yes, they are interchangable with all 82 - 02 F-bodys and no , not all LS1's came with aluminum driveshafts. They are specific to gear ratio's.

[malletslinger]

So they can be used on any 3rd or 4th gen(without modification?), but only came stock on some of them, is that right?

[FormulaLT1]

Yes, they can be used on any 3rd or 4th gen but only came on certain 98 -02 LS1 vehicles that had specific gear ratio's.

[97cavalier]

what kinda of hp gain you see with this over stock? about 5hp?

[FormulaLT1]

It depends on if your getting vibration but usually on car that aren't that far out of balance prior. Show 5+lbs of torque to wheel's improvement but this vastly improves drivablity. Due to the ability to rev quicker cause of the lack of weight on the vehicles drivetrain and its 0 weight mass to either side, Being its neutral balanced.