Need new front drive shaft U-joints on the 1992

[ericn1300]

My mechanic friend tells me that the rear U-joint on the front dive shaft is a double U-joint, also known as a C-V and is a real pain to change. Autozone and Chilton only show standard $10 U-joints. I don't have a jack here to check it out. Anybody have any experience with this?

[Chris Stewart]

Yup, it's different from what's shown in the FSM. Looks like 8 bolts and you're off to the parts store.
Here's some pics,

Rear joint at transfer case flange



Front driveshaft-front joint at the front differential




Front driveshaft-rear joint

[Chris Stewart]

I had a similar issue on the rear drive shaft w/double joint on my old Dodge. I took the rear driveshaft off and while in 4WD, drove it to the local drive shaft shop.
They changed those joints out like you change yer socks...a few minutes and I was headed back home to reinstall the driveshaft.

The front joint is a CV joint, here's a pic link,

http://www.wholesaleimportparts.com/...shaft_1992.php

[ericn1300]

Thanks Chris, I went to the tire shop (since it was Saturday and I need tires too) to get a quote. I figured that they would have the flat rate guide for the repair, but no. I'll get in touch with the local drive line shop Monday afternoon to see what they say, and until then she can ride her trike the half mile to work.

[ericn1300]

I'm going to drop the shaft and go 4x2 until I get it fixed. Will it do any damage to run with out it? I found a rebuilt one on the internet for $249 with a $100 core charge here: http://indydriveshafts.com/domestic-...e-driveshafts/

[Chris Stewart]

I don't know, I looked at posts all the way back to 2005 with no mention of running with the front driveshaft removed. The FSM pics don't show a straight through main shaft to the rear drive shaft w/the viscous clutch connected to a spline. The main shaft looks split.
After you take it off, check for any slippage.
My old Dodge had an all gear transfer case with the main shaft going to the rear driveshaft, so it had no problem running with the front differential engaged and rear driveshaft removed.

While looking back, I saw where you were considering a '91 for your daughter. Did you get it?

[ericn1300]

Missed out on the 91 by about two hours, someone else got it.

[ericn1300]

Running with the front drive shaft out right now. It seems to drive fine, no slippage but in our slightly sloped driveway it will creep down to the curb even in park. You can't see it moving, but if you walk away and come back later it's moved some.

[Chris Stewart]

Sounds like the viscous clutch is trying to hold but can't...it's supposed to slip.
I wouldn't drive it without the front drive shaft now.

[ericn1300]

Chris, I ended up ordering the one in the link you posted. It's the older style. The drive line shop here said they'd rebuild the old one to be like yours for $525 but I went with the cheaper option, after all the old one lasted over 275k. New on gets here on Tuesday.

[Chris Stewart]

Hmmm, makes you wonder if that shop really wanted that job or not.