U-Joint

Replace worn universal joints in the driveshaft to eliminate drivetrain vibration and clunking during acceleration or deceleration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• U-joint (front) × 1 — Spicer 5-297X or equivalent 1310 series
• U-joint (rear) × 1 — Spicer 5-297X or equivalent 1310 series
• U-joint snap rings × 1 — Included with U-joint kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under rear axle housing
4. Ensure adequate clearance to access driveshaft
5. Apply penetrating oil to U-joint bearing cap areas and let soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using marker or paint pen, mark the driveshaft yoke to the transmission output shaft yoke, and the driveshaft to the rear differential pinion yoke. Also mark the relationship of the driveshaft halves to each other. These alignment marks are critical for maintaining proper driveshaft phasing during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove driveshaft
   Remove the four bolts securing the rear U-joint straps to the differential pinion yoke using 1/2 inch wrench. Support the driveshaft, then slide it rearward to disengage the slip yoke from the transmission. Have a drain pan ready as some transmission fluid may drip from the tailshaft housing. Lower the driveshaft and remove from vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove failed U-joint snap rings
   Place driveshaft on work bench or in vise (clamping on tube, not yoke). Using snap ring pliers, remove the internal or external snap rings from each bearing cap of the U-joint being replaced. Note the snap ring style as it varies - some AMC driveshafts use internal snap rings while others use external C-clips. Clean the yoke ears with wire brush.
4. 4

   Press out old U-joint bearing caps
   Position driveshaft yoke in U-joint press or use C-clamp method with appropriate sized sockets. Press one bearing cap out partially, then flip the yoke and press the opposite cap completely through. Remove the cross and remaining bearing caps. If caps are stuck, tap yoke ears with dead blow hammer while applying pressure. Repeat for all four caps until U-joint cross is removed.
5. 5

   Clean yoke ears and inspect
   Thoroughly clean all four yoke ear bores with wire brush and shop rags. Inspect the bore surfaces for scoring, wear, or damage. Check yoke ears for cracks or deformation. If yoke is damaged, the entire driveshaft assembly may need replacement. Remove any burrs with emery cloth.
6. 6

   Prepare new U-joint
   Remove new U-joint from package and verify it matches the old one in size and snap ring groove location. Most 1970 AMC Rebel Machines use 1310 series U-joints. Remove any plastic bearing cap retainers. Check that grease fitting is present on cross (if equipped) and turns freely.
7. 7

   Install new U-joint cross
   Remove one bearing cap from the new U-joint cross and insert the cross into the yoke from that side. Position the cross so one set of trunnions aligns with the yoke ear bores. Start one bearing cap into the yoke ear by hand, ensuring the needle bearings stay in place and the cap enters the bore squarely.
8. 8

   Press in bearing caps
   Using U-joint press or C-clamp setup, carefully press the first bearing cap into the yoke ear until it is flush with the snap ring groove. Install the snap ring. Flip the assembly and install the opposite bearing cap onto the cross trunnion, then press it in until flush with snap ring groove. Install second snap ring. Ensure cross rotates freely between caps.
9. 9

   Install remaining bearing caps
   Rotate the cross 90 degrees to access the remaining two trunnions. Remove the plastic retainers or temporary caps from these trunnions. Install the third bearing cap by hand, then press into position until snap ring groove is exposed. Install snap ring. Repeat for fourth and final bearing cap. Verify all four snap rings are fully seated in their grooves.
10. 10

    Verify U-joint operation
    Check that the new U-joint moves freely in all directions without binding. There should be no lateral play in the bearing caps. Tap the yoke ears lightly with dead blow hammer to ensure snap rings are fully seated. If U-joint binds, bearing caps may be pressed in too far or needle bearings may be displaced.
11. 11

    Repeat for second U-joint if needed
    If replacing the second U-joint on the driveshaft, repeat steps 3 through 10 for that joint. Ensure driveshaft yoke phasing remains correct - both yokes should be in same plane when viewing driveshaft from the side.
12. 12

    Reinstall driveshaft
    Clean the transmission output shaft splines with shop rag. Slide the driveshaft slip yoke into the transmission tailshaft housing, aligning the splines. Rotate the rear differential pinion yoke to align with your paint marks and the driveshaft rear U-joint. Install the U-joint straps and bolts, aligning all marks made during disassembly.
13. 13

    Torque U-joint strap bolts
    Tighten the four U-joint strap bolts evenly in a cross pattern. Since no factory torque specification is available for this vehicle, tighten to 15-20 ft-lbs, which is standard for 1310 series U-joint straps. Verify straps pull the bearing caps firmly into the yoke without gaps.

Reassembly

1. Verify all alignment marks match original positions exactly
2. Double-check that all snap rings are fully seated in grooves
3. Confirm U-joint strap bolts are tight and straps have no gaps
4. Check transmission fluid level if significant spillage occurred

Verification

• Lower vehicle and test drive at various speeds listening for clunking or binding
• Accelerate and decelerate moderately to verify no vibration or noise from driveline
• If vibration occurs, recheck driveshaft phasing and alignment marks
• Inspect U-joints after 50-100 miles for any signs of looseness or leaking grease

More procedures for this vehicle