U-Joint

Replace worn universal joint(s) on the driveshaft by removing the driveshaft from the vehicle, pressing out the old U-joint, installing a new U-joint with retaining hardware, and reinstalling the driveshaft.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• U-joint (Spicer 5-760X or equivalent) × 1 — Spicer 5-760X
• Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 with limited-slip additive — 3.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support securely on jack stands under the rear axle housing or frame rails.
3. Place a drain pan under the rear differential.
4. Mark the relationship between the driveshaft and rear differential yoke with a paint pen or permanent marker for proper reinstallation alignment.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driveshaft rear mounting bolts
   Locate the 4 bolts securing the driveshaft U-joint straps to the rear differential pinion yoke. Using a socket, remove all 4 bolts and the 2 U-joint retaining straps. Support the rear of the driveshaft to prevent it from dropping.
2. 2

   Separate driveshaft from differential
   Carefully pull the driveshaft rearward to separate the rear U-joint from the pinion yoke. Some differential fluid will drain at this point. Lower the rear of the driveshaft and support it to access the front yoke.
   ⚠Differential fluid will begin draining. Position drain pan to catch fluid.
3. 3

   Remove driveshaft from transmission
   Mark the orientation of the driveshaft slip yoke to the transmission output shaft. Slide the driveshaft forward to disengage the slip yoke from the transmission output shaft. Lower the driveshaft and remove it from under the vehicle. Plug the transmission opening with a clean rag to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
   ⚠The driveshaft weighs approximately 25-30 lbs. Use proper lifting technique or have an assistant help.
4. 4

   Mark U-joint orientation
   With the driveshaft on a clean workbench, mark the orientation of the U-joint yokes relative to the driveshaft tube. This ensures proper phasing during reassembly to maintain balance and prevent vibration. Mark all 4 positions clearly.
   ℹ️U-joint phasing is critical. Incorrect reassembly will cause severe driveline vibration.
5. 5

   Remove U-joint retaining hardware
   Inspect the U-joint retaining method. Most Viper driveshafts use external snap rings on the bearing caps. Using snap ring pliers, remove all 4 snap rings from the U-joint bearing cap grooves in the yoke ears. Keep snap rings for comparison with new U-joint hardware.
   ⚠Snap rings are under tension. Control them carefully during removal to prevent loss or injury.
6. 6

   Press out old U-joint
   Position the driveshaft yoke in a U-joint press or bench vise. Press one bearing cap out of the yoke ear by applying force to the opposite cap. Remove the partially pressed cap, then flip the assembly and press the U-joint cross the opposite direction to remove the second cap. Rotate to the perpendicular caps and repeat the process. Remove the U-joint cross from the yoke.
   ⚠Apply pressure slowly and steadily. Excessive force or misalignment can damage the yoke ears.
7. 7

   Clean yoke bearing surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the bearing cap bores in the yoke ears using a wire brush and shop rags. Remove all rust, debris, and old grease. Inspect the yoke ears for cracks, damage, or elongated snap ring grooves. Replace the driveshaft if damage is found.
   ℹ️Damaged yoke ears cannot safely retain the new U-joint and require driveshaft replacement.
8. 8

   Prepare new U-joint
   Remove the new U-joint from its packaging. If the U-joint came with plastic bearing cap retainers, remove them carefully. Verify all 4 bearing caps are firmly seated on the cross and contain needle bearings and grease. Check that new snap rings or retaining clips are included.
   ℹ️Some replacement U-joints come with grease fittings. Ensure the fitting orientation will be accessible after installation.
9. 9

   Install new U-joint
   Position one bearing cap into a yoke ear. Insert the U-joint cross into the yoke, aligning one trunnion with the installed cap. Start the opposite bearing cap into its yoke ear by hand. Using the U-joint press or vise, carefully press both caps into the yoke simultaneously until the snap ring grooves are visible on both sides. Install snap rings on both caps. Repeat for the perpendicular axis bearing caps.
   ⚠Ensure the U-joint cross trunnions are centered in the bearing caps as you press. Misalignment will damage needle bearings.
   ℹ️Press slowly and check alignment frequently. The caps should move smoothly into the yoke without excessive force.
10. 10

    Verify U-joint installation
    Confirm all 4 snap rings are fully seated in their grooves. Test the U-joint by rotating it through its full range of motion. It should move smoothly without binding. If grease fittings are present, pump fresh grease into the U-joint until new grease appears at all 4 bearing cap seals.
    ℹ️Binding indicates misaligned needle bearings or improperly seated caps. Disassemble and reinstall if binding is present.
11. 11

    Reinstall driveshaft to transmission
    Remove the rag from the transmission output shaft opening. Align the slip yoke with your alignment marks and slide it onto the transmission output shaft. Ensure the yoke is fully engaged and the splines are properly seated.
    ℹ️The slip yoke should slide on smoothly. Resistance may indicate misalignment or debris on the splines.
12. 12

    Connect driveshaft to differential
    Raise the rear of the driveshaft and align the rear U-joint with the pinion yoke, matching your alignment marks. Position the U-joint bearing caps into the pinion yoke. Install both U-joint retaining straps and thread in all 4 bolts by hand. Tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern to specification.
    ℹ️Ensure alignment marks match before final tightening to maintain original balance.
13. 13

    Refill differential fluid
    Locate the differential fill plug on the rear cover. Remove the fill plug and add 75W-90 GL-5 differential fluid with limited-slip additive until fluid reaches the bottom of the fill hole. Reinstall the fill plug.
    ℹ️Limited-slip additive is required for proper clutch pack operation in the rear differential.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and test
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Start the engine and test drive at low speed, checking for vibration, noise, or abnormal driveline behavior. Gradually increase speed up to 50 mph if no issues are detected.
    ⚠Any vibration or unusual noise requires immediate investigation. Stop and recheck all alignment marks and fastener torque.

Reassembly

1. Torque all driveshaft U-joint strap bolts evenly in a cross pattern to prevent distortion.
2. Verify alignment marks on both the slip yoke and pinion yoke match original positions before final tightening.
3. Check differential fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary.

Verification

• Confirm all 4 U-joint strap bolts are torqued to specification using a torque wrench.
• Verify no driveline vibration is present during test drive at speeds up to 50 mph.
• Check for differential fluid leaks around the pinion seal after test drive.
• Confirm U-joint moves smoothly through full range of motion without binding.
• Verify differential fluid level is at the bottom of the fill hole.

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