Replace universal joints (U-joints) on the front or rear driveshaft to eliminate vibration and clunking noises during acceleration or deceleration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Universal joint (U-joint) × 1 — Spicer 5-260X or equivalent (front driveshaft) or 5-1310X (rear driveshaft)
• Internal snap rings (if not included with U-joint) × 4 — Typically included with U-joint kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Shift transfer case to neutral if replacing front driveshaft U-joints
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Allow exhaust system to cool completely before working near driveshaft

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft orientation
   Using a marking pen, draw an alignment mark across the driveshaft yoke and slip yoke (or CV joint flange for front driveshaft) to ensure proper reinstallation in the exact same orientation. This is critical to maintain driveshaft balance.
2. 2

   Remove driveshaft from vehicle
   For rear driveshaft: Remove four bolts connecting driveshaft to rear differential pinion flange, then slide driveshaft rearward to disengage slip yoke from transfer case. For front driveshaft: Remove CV joint bolts at transfer case, then remove driveshaft bolts at front axle. Support driveshaft while removing final fasteners to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Support driveshaft weight before removing final bolts to prevent injury
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)

   CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Secure driveshaft in vise
   Clamp the driveshaft tube securely in a bench vise with protective jaw covers. Position the U-joint to be replaced in an accessible orientation. Do not clamp on the yoke ears as this can distort them.
4. 4

   Remove U-joint snap rings
   Using needle-nose pliers, carefully remove the four internal snap rings that retain the U-joint bearing caps in the yoke. There is one snap ring in each yoke ear bore. Inspect the snap ring grooves for damage or wear.
   ⚠Snap rings can spring out under tension - wear safety glasses
5. 5

   Press out old U-joint bearing caps
   Using a C-clamp or U-joint press, position the tool to press one bearing cap partially out of the yoke. Press until the opposite bearing cap protrudes enough to grip with pliers or tap out with a hammer. Remove the cap, then reposition the press to remove the opposite cap. Repeat for the remaining two bearing caps. Remove the U-joint cross from the yoke.
6. 6

   Clean yoke bores
   Thoroughly clean all four bearing cap bores in the yoke using shop rags and solvent. Remove any rust, debris, or old grease. Inspect the yoke ears for cracks, elongation, or damage. Replace the driveshaft if yoke damage is found.
7. 7

   Prepare new U-joint
   Remove the new U-joint from packaging and verify it includes four bearing caps and snap rings. Some U-joints have grease fittings - note orientation. Do not remove the plastic bearing cap retainers yet as they help with installation.
8. 8

   Install U-joint cross into yoke
   Position the U-joint cross into the yoke. If the U-joint has a grease fitting, orient it to be accessible after installation. Remove one plastic cap retainer and align that trunnion with the yoke bore.
9. 9

   Press in first bearing cap
   Remove the plastic retainer from one bearing cap and start it into the yoke bore by hand. Use the C-clamp or press to push the bearing cap into the yoke until it is flush with the snap ring groove. Ensure the U-joint cross remains centered and the needle bearings do not fall out of position.
   ⚠Press slowly and ensure bearing cap enters bore squarely to avoid jamming needle bearings
10. 10

    Install first snap ring
    Once the bearing cap is seated to the snap ring groove, install the snap ring using needle-nose pliers. Ensure the snap ring is fully seated in its groove and not twisted or deformed.
11. 11

    Press in opposite bearing cap and install snap ring
    Remove the plastic retainer from the opposite bearing cap. Press this cap into the yoke bore until it seats against the snap ring groove. Install the second snap ring. The U-joint should rotate freely on this axis when both caps are secured.
12. 12

    Install remaining two bearing caps
    Rotate the driveshaft in the vise to access the other two yoke bores. Repeat the pressing and snap ring installation process for the remaining two bearing caps. Ensure all four snap rings are fully seated in their grooves.
13. 13

    Verify U-joint installation
    Check that the U-joint rotates smoothly in both axes without binding. All four snap rings must be fully seated. There should be no end play in the bearing caps. If the U-joint has a grease fitting, pump grease into the fitting until fresh grease appears at all four bearing cap seals.
14. 14

    Reinstall driveshaft
    Align the marks made during disassembly to ensure proper orientation. For rear driveshaft: Insert slip yoke into transfer case, then align and install driveshaft to rear differential. For front driveshaft: Install to front axle first, then connect CV joint to transfer case. Install all fasteners hand-tight before final torquing.
    ⚠Driveshaft must be reinstalled in original orientation per alignment marks to prevent vibration
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)

    CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Torque all fasteners
    Using a torque wrench, tighten all driveshaft bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and no tools or parts are left under the vehicle.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)

    CV Joint Bolts71 Nm (52 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all alignment marks are properly matched during driveshaft installation
2. Verify all snap rings are fully seated in their grooves before installing driveshaft
3. Check that U-joint rotates freely without binding before reinstallation

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify no vibration is present during acceleration and deceleration
• Listen for clunking noises when shifting between drive and reverse - noise indicates improper installation
• Re-inspect all driveshaft fasteners after 50-100 miles to verify torque has not loosened
• Check for grease leakage at U-joint bearing caps if equipped with grease fitting

More procedures for this vehicle