Tough to replace U joints?

[Rockyrider]

After reading about some noises that folks were posting, I think I may have the same issue with U-Joint problems. I have about 120k miles on my 97 and I doubt they've ever been replaced.
Is this a tough job? Any special tools required (he says hopefully, but expecting that not to be the case) ??

[96JimmySLE]

They can be challenging. I changed mine in my '96 and it was a learning experience. I have changed u joints in my '77 and they were a piece of cake. The problem is, that the bearing caps are tapered so you can't just press them out from one side to the other. There is a special tool (looks like a tuning fork) to press out one side than the other. I rigged up some thing to do it. But, they can be difficult. Hope this helps.

[Rockyrider]

Thanks, it'll be a while before I can get to it. I don't have a garage and getting access to one isn't that easy for me, especially one that's heated hehe. I have a ball joint seperator that I bought for an old Mustang I had, it looks kinda like a tuning fork and may do the trick. I've kept it all these years (even thought the 'stang is long gone) because it makes a handy kind of prybar, and the tuning fork end is good for wedging into tight places.
I never throw out a useable tool hehe