Front Drive Shaft Rebuild

[BadgerXJ]

Okay...so...looks like I need to rebuild my front drive shaft since it still is making quite the racket after the t-case drop.

I've talked to a couple of guys about how to swap out u-joints.  Doesn't sound too hard.  Anything I'm missing like special tools I might need?

And...thanks for the Tech Section.

[JFranko]

Prior to getting a hydraulic press I did mine with a pair of needle nose pliers, a hammer, a socket, and a bench vise, no special tools needed.

[97tjeff]

It can be done with sockets and a hammer. I was unsuccessful that way. I just went to autozone and rented a ball joint press (thanks for the help, Brian...) And that seemed to do the trick. The ball joint press is like $97 to rent, and you get it all back when you return it.  But, if you're going to be driving your jeep around, REMOVE THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT IN UNTIL IT IS FIXED. You can severely damage your transfer case if you leave it in and drive around.

[MWilcox]

A ball joint press is the best and easiest way to do any u-joint with out stressing the shaft.  If you don't own one, do like Jeff said and go rent one, it's worth it. 
Pay attention to the orientation of the grease fittings on the new joints.  If you don't install them correctly you will never be able to grease them.  Good luck!

-Mike

[97tjeff]

also, the part that's making the squeaking noise (also known as "angry sparrows"), is called the ball centering joint.  Spicer part number 211355X.  I got mine from northern drivetrain.  $50.47 plus shipping:

http://www.northerndrivetrain.com/product/SPI-211355X.html

[BadgerXJ]

"Angry Sparrows" is a very accurate description.  Where is the ball centering joint?  I was crawling around under the Jeep last night greasing the u-joints...I didn't see anything that looked like that part.

[97tjeff]

The ball centering joint is inside the H-yoke at the tcase end of your front ds. When you pull the front driveshaft and remove the U-joint that is on the tcase end of the shaft, you'll see it.

[BadgerXJ]

Got it!  Thanks.  I did drop the DS out Sunday evening.  Just waiting for my parts to arrive so I can rebuild it.  All of my drive train noise is in the front DS.  Without it, the Jeep is quieter than it has ever been.

[97tjeff]

I know the feeling.  I had to rebuild mine a few months ago.

Now get it fixed so you can come wheeling and test out the new lift! 

[Buick Guy]

I developed the angry sparrow the other day had to stop at a buddies and pull the front drive shaft. I will have to rebuild it as soon as I finish making my door removable.

[BadgerXJ]

Definitely planning on getting out on the trails soon.  Once I get the DS fixed...STILL waiting for the stinkin' centering yoke dang it...I just have to build bumpers so I have some extraction points.