Replace universal joints (U-joints) on the front and/or rear driveshaft of a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Universal joint (U-joint) × 1 — Spicer 5-1310X or equivalent, quantity depends on number being replaced
• U-joint strap bolts (if reusing is not recommended) × 4 — OEM or equivalent
• Snap rings (if not included with U-joint) × 4 — Verify size matches driveshaft yoke

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise vehicle using floor jack at appropriate lift points and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Allow driveline components to cool if vehicle was recently driven
5. Inspect driveshafts visually to identify which U-joint(s) require replacement (check for play, rust, or grease leakage)
6. Clean area around driveshaft connections with degreaser and wire brush for better visibility

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Use permanent marker or paint pen to mark the relationship between the driveshaft tube and both yokes (front and rear). Also mark the yoke-to-pinion flange or transfer case flange orientation. These alignment marks are CRITICAL to prevent driveline vibration. Mark at least two reference points showing rotational alignment.
   ⚠Failure to mark alignment will result in phasing issues and severe vibration that can damage transmission, transfer case, or differential components.
2. 2

   Remove driveshaft mounting hardware
   For strap-type connections: Remove the U-joint strap bolts at both ends of the driveshaft being serviced. For the rear driveshaft, remove straps at the differential pinion yoke and transfer case output. For the front driveshaft, remove straps at the transfer case and front differential. Support the driveshaft center to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Driveshaft will become free once all bolts are removed. Support weight to prevent damage to components or injury.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove driveshaft from vehicle
   Carefully slide the driveshaft's slip yoke out of the transmission or transfer case extension housing (if applicable). Lower the driveshaft and remove from vehicle. Some fluid may drain from the extension housing when the slip yoke is removed - have a drain pan ready. Inspect the slip yoke splines for wear or damage. Place driveshaft on a clean workbench.
4. 4

   Remove U-joint snap rings
   Locate the snap rings (circlips) that retain the U-joint bearing caps in the driveshaft yoke. Using snap ring pliers, remove all four snap rings from the yoke. Some U-joints use internal snap rings (inside the yoke ears) while others use external C-clips (on the outside). Note the orientation and type for reassembly. Clean the snap ring grooves with a wire brush.
   ⚠Snap rings can spring out during removal. Wear safety glasses and control the pliers to prevent snap ring from becoming a projectile.
5. 5

   Press out old U-joint bearing caps
   Using a U-joint press tool or bench vise with appropriately sized sockets, press one bearing cap out of the yoke. Position a smaller socket against one bearing cap and a larger socket on the opposite side to receive the cap being pressed out. Apply steady pressure until the bearing cap is pushed through. Rotate driveshaft and remove the opposite cap. Remove the U-joint cross and repeat for remaining two caps. If using a vise, work carefully to avoid damaging the yoke ears.
   ⚠Do not strike yoke ears directly with a steel hammer as this can crack or damage the yoke. Use brass hammer or press only.
6. 6

   Clean yoke and inspect for damage
   Thoroughly clean all U-joint bearing cap bores in the yoke using a wire brush and brake cleaner. Remove all rust, old grease, and debris. Inspect yoke ears for cracks, elongation of bearing cap bores, or other damage. Check that snap ring grooves are clean and undamaged. If yoke shows wear or damage, the driveshaft assembly should be replaced.
7. 7

   Prepare new U-joint for installation
   Remove new U-joint from packaging and verify it matches the old joint. Most U-joints come with bearing caps loosely installed and retained with plastic or tape. Do NOT remove the bearing caps yet - they contain loose needle bearings. If the U-joint has a grease fitting, orient it so the fitting will be accessible once installed (typically toward the driveshaft tube). Check that all four snap rings are present and correct size.
8. 8

   Install new U-joint bearing caps
   Remove one bearing cap from the new U-joint cross, being careful not to let needle bearings fall out. Insert the U-joint cross into the yoke. Align one bearing cap with its bore and carefully start it into the yoke by hand or with light tapping using a brass hammer. Once started, use the press tool or vise to push the bearing cap in until it is flush with the snap ring groove. Install the snap ring. Rotate the assembly and install the opposite bearing cap the same way, ensuring the U-joint cross is properly seated. Install remaining two caps and snap rings. Verify the U-joint rotates freely without binding.
   ⚠Needle bearings inside caps can fall out or become misaligned, causing U-joint failure. Work carefully and ensure caps go in straight.
9. 9

   Verify U-joint installation
   After all snap rings are installed, check that each snap ring is fully seated in its groove. The U-joint should rotate smoothly in both planes without binding or tight spots. If binding occurs, the bearing caps may not be fully seated or needle bearings may be misaligned - disassemble and reinstall. Check that all snap rings are secure.
10. 10

    Reinstall driveshaft to vehicle
    Raise the driveshaft into position. If equipped with a slip yoke, lubricate the splines lightly with appropriate lubricant and slide into the transmission or transfer case extension housing, aligning with your reference marks. Position the driveshaft yokes to the pinion flange and transfer case flange according to your alignment marks. Start all U-joint strap bolts finger-tight before final torquing.
11. 11

    Torque driveshaft strap bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the U-joint strap bolts to specification. Tighten evenly in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even loading on the U-joint. Verify both ends of the driveshaft are properly secured and all alignment marks still match.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Lubricate U-joint if equipped with grease fitting
    If the new U-joint has a grease fitting (zerk fitting), use a grease gun to pump fresh chassis grease into the U-joint until grease appears at all four bearing cap seals. Wipe away excess grease. This ensures the U-joint is fully lubricated for initial operation.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all alignment marks match original positions before lowering vehicle
2. Verify all U-joint strap bolts are torqued to specification
3. If multiple driveshafts were serviced, ensure correct driveshaft is installed in correct position (front vs rear)
4. Check that slip yoke is fully engaged in extension housing with no excessive play

Verification

• Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks
• Start engine and shift through all gears while stationary to verify no unusual noises from driveline
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (15-70 mph if safe) and verify no vibration is present
• Listen for any clicking, clunking, or binding sounds during acceleration and deceleration
• Perform figure-eight turns in a parking lot to load U-joints through various angles and verify smooth operation
• After test drive, re-inspect all U-joint strap bolts to ensure they remain tight
• Check for any grease leakage from new U-joints indicating improper installation

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