I just got a 2002 7.3L Crew Cab! :D

[cj45lc]

I can't tell by looking at the pics, I've always just grabbed the drive shaft & shake & twist it to feel for any loose motion in the u-joints.

[907DAVE]

The one on the rear diff looks a bit funny to me.

What is that hanging off of it, the dust seal?

[ticopowell]

Originally Posted by 907DAVE

The one on the rear diff looks a bit funny to me.

What is that hanging off of it, the dust seal?

Yeah that it what it is as far as I can tell, I'll try shaking the shafts and see, I am planning on replacing them when I get time, do I need to worry about quality our can I just go to the local auto parts store? Thanks

[ticopowell]

so good news and bad news, good news: I figured out why my truck had a the vibration... bad news: I figured out that I have a BROKEN U-joint. The dust cover that Dave pointed out is hanging because that is where the joint is broken. I went out and got new u-joints and I am going to install them this weekend... :/ I hope it doesn't take too long, anyone have any ideas on how long it will take to do all 5?

[907DAVE]

If you have never done them before, should take an hour or two.....but if you have the help of someone who has.....under an hour from start to finish.


Couple tips:

• Be sure to mark the shafts before you bang the old joint out, this way it stays balanced.
• Grease zerks always point towards the driveline.
• Pay very close attention when installing the caps, one needle bearing that "falls down" will ruin your day.
• Be sure to "burp" the joint if they are tight after installing the clips. This is done by striking the driveline near the joint with a hammer. They should move freely without any tight spots.
• When greasing the newly installed joints, make sure grease comes out of every cap.
• Patience, patience, patience.

Good Luck!

[ticopowell]

so I got the rear driveshaft and u-joints taken out, and all put back in, and there are no more vibrations! the problem is that the front driveshaft has a weird u-joint that I can't really do anything with... :/ The workers at the shop said to bring it to a driveline specialist to get the 2 joints replaced.
The good news is that my u-joint wasnt "broken" it just wasn't greased for idk how long... . Here is a picture

It is a good thing i replaced that one, at least I think so, I just want to get the last 2 done without any more trouble... :/.
Well I am going to get my phoenix now that I know my u-joints can handle it. I am also going to grease up everything I can in my truck so I won't have to worry about it again .

[907DAVE]

Good job!

I am surprised that joint went out again, it has been changed at least once already. The factory joints seem to last a long time.

How many miles were on the truck?