U-Joint problems HELP!!!

[joslinm]

Tackled my U-Joints today on my 92 S-10 long bed and it didn't go well. This truck has 2 drive lines. I dropped down the rear by the differential and tried to pull it out of the front drive line by the center support and it would only move an inch. Seems there is some kind if seal on the end of the shaft and as soon as it hits the splines on the end of the front shaft, it stops. I ended up spending the good part of an hour pounding it out.
I bought a press at Harbor Freight for $40 and it worked great. No melting the junk out of the ujoints. Just pressed them out using a 1/2 in 20 inch long breaker bar. No big deal.
When trying to get the shaft to go back on the end of the front shaft with the spline, I had a really tough time getting that seal over the spline. Finally it started, but with much force. I shouldn't be having to pound this shaft back on am I? I assume if it was not mated correctly, it would not go on at all. I pounded for 3 hours and am at the start of the teeth now, almost done I think. Only an inch left. This is where the shaft moved freely back and forth about an inch before I took it off. Doesn't do that yet, but hopefully soon. Will be working on it in the morning again. I've been pounding on the ears so not to ruin the new joints. Any idea what's going on with this problem? Thanks, Mike

[mrmikey]

You shouldn't have to pound the shaft off, there is definetly something wrong.You've been beating the shaft on for 3 hours, I would say if you haven't screwed something by now it won't take long for something to show up. Did you take the large round sheetmetal nut that holds the seal off and put that on first if you're having problems?
You do realize the tailshaft of the tranny and short shaft are mated by the fact that there is a missing spline?....Mike

[joslinm]

Originally Posted by mrmikey

You shouldn't have to pound the shaft off, there is definetly something wrong.You've been beating the shaft on for 3 hours, I would say if you haven't screwed something by now it won't take long for something to show up. Did you take the large round sheetmetal nut that holds the seal off and put that on first if you're having problems?
You do realize the tailshaft of the tranny and short shaft are mated by the fact that there is a missing spline?....Mike

Hey Mike,
I ended up taking the whole 2 part shaft down in one piece. I pounded the rear shaft out so I could see the teeth on the shaft. There is no missing spline on this part like the one that goes in the tranny. The splines look exactly the same all the way around. I'm afraid to touch the large nut on the end because it would probably fall apart it is so deteriorated from rust. All be back when I assemble and road test. Thanks, Mike

[joslinm]

Assembled and this 2 piece shaft is definately 1 piece now. Road tested up to 65 mph. No vibration at all. Hope it lasts me awhile.

[BlazerBoyLT98]

Still makes me nervous how long you beat the thing. I would be very cautious and plan on replacing in the near future.

[joslinm]

Wanted to grease my new u joints today and found that I cant get the gun in there to attach to the fitting. Just isn't room. I just have the standard flex hose with regular end. Is there something smaller that I can get to grease the joint?

[old_master]

There is a pin point adapter that plugs into your standard end. Most auto parts stores have them.

[G.A.S.]

Unscrewing that tin nut and ruining it for 8 bucks would be well worth my while. You can be assured that by pounding that shaft on you tore that seal at the nose of the shaft. Next time, that is the first thing you should do, loosen that nut. chanell locks work greaat. A dealer or trans shop will have that nut and seal.
I am afraid too that you will see problems in the future from beating that thing to death.