U-joint tools

I've used the old hammer and socket method and a vice. Has anyone used one of the specialty tools? I think I remember seeing one being mentioned in either JP or Petersons, but I can't remember when. My truck has the tendency to eat u-joints, so if the tool works, it would be nice to have on the trail- thankfully they have always gone out on a paved road. Thanks for any info!!-gonz
P.S. I am going to replace the axles in the future, so I don't want to spend a lot of time or effort in trying to fix the problem right now, but would rather change out u-joints.

better than the tool.. would be finding out why your truck eats joints. Suntin' aint' right! lol

I assume you are asking about the tool that looks like a huge c-clamp. They do work slick, especially if you have compressed air and a impact to drive it with. Spins them out in nothing flat with less of a chance of screwing up the yokes.


EDIT: Just wanted to add to this...over jealous smacks using the hammer/socket method can knock the ears on the yoke out of square...causing rapid wear on your you joints. A good machine shop should be able to check them to see if this is the case.

Doug is right, although I'm normally changing them in BFE with no impact available.I got mine from Snap-On.Pricey, but well worth it and its a quality tool.I've learned to just change U-joints from time to time, instead of letting them fatigue.This way I get it done when its convenient and I have my impact.Nice, huh.

I've always used the hammer/socket routine with good results. If you have a clamp on vise, you could stick one of them in the bed of the truck and use the sockets in a BIG vise to drive em out.

IIRC, the specialized tool was about $300 when it was featured in Jp a year or two ago. Unless it's REALLY REALLY cold and I was dumb and didn't go wheelin' with a buddy, I can't see it being worth it. My .02

Ethan

I bought an OTC ball and U joint tool several years ago , Brand new for less than $100.00 . It has paid for itself several times. My buddy bought an off brand (made in china) look alike from one of these traveling tool venders. I think he paid about $20 for it. It also works good on U joints but I wouldn't want to do ball joints with it. M1028

Yup, I use a ball-joint press (C-clamp affair) on mine. You GOTTA be careful to align the cups just right before you dive 'em home - it's pretty easy to booger up a yoke.

I agree with you Tacoma, I should find out what gives on the Ujoints. But I'm planning on a 14 bolt rear and putting in a 205, so I really don't want to spend the little time I get now on something that will be work lost after the swaps, especially with the low miles I'm putting on the truck right now. I'll take a look at Harbor Freight for a balljoint/ujoint tool.
I do go wheeling when it's really cold sometimes, and just thinking about swinging a hammer in gloves while the snot is freezing in my face does not sound appealing. If I can get a tool to help myself or a friend or some joe I don't know on the trail, it's worth it.
Thanks for the info, guys!!- gonz