Front Driveshaft Rebuilding

Part numbers

NAPA U-J617 (1)F
NAPA UJ354 (3)

Tools

8 mm Socket, 1/4"
16 mm Socket, 3/8" (or 1/2")
Ratchets
Extensions
Snap Ring or Needle Nose Pliers

I just got done rebuilding the front driveshaft. Rather easy task and the parts are easy to come by even to rebuild the double cardan joint ball.

Before you break down the double cardan joint, mark it to enable you to get it back together the same way. I used a file to scratch a line across all the pieces. (Beware, using paint or a permanent marker will rub off) It is hard to see, but there is a line across the left Ujoint cap, the middle Ujoint and the rear Ujoint cap.

Now, using my Harbor Freight Ball Joint Press, I'm simply driving the cap out the other side and disassembling the double cardan joint from the flange end, working towards the shaft. When you take it all apart, now...check your centering ball and bearing. Mine was in sad shape. As you'll see all the needle bearing fell out (ashtray) and no grease was left.

So I made a call to the local NAPA store, and they had the centering ball in stock but it may be pricey. It is made by SKF and part number is UJ617.

Now you need to clean up your old end, just remove all the grease and dirt. I piled up a good gob of grease in the bottom before installing the ball.

Use a socket to drive the ball into the Ujoint end.

Then drive your seal in place with the same socket, but do it with a very light tapping using your hammer or small ball peen. The grease should have been shoved into the needle bearings. You will notice there is a small hole for the grease to ooze out of on the bottom which filled the needle bearings.

Then, start to assemble your Ujoint in the driveshaft. Again, I was using a Harbor Freight Ball Joint Press which is awesome because you'll never have to strike the driveshaft with a hammer or worry about needle bearings falling out. Drive the first cap in deeply using the Harbor Freight Ball Joint Press. You should have the trunion sticking out slightly. Install the 2nd cap and press the bearing cap until the Ujoint is centered. Install both retaining clips.

Then, I did things a bit different and assembled my last Ujoint in the rear flange. What you have to do is place your spring in the driveshaft with a bit a of grease to hold it in place. Tilt the ball just enough so it will go through onto the shaft over the spring of the center shaft. Align the trunion with the yoke of the Ujoint and the centering ball at the same time. Be patient, there is enough room and it will then go in. Now, install the two bearing caps.

Finished product... So when you are done it should move in all directions freely without binding. Make sure to grease all your Ujoints before installing the shaft.

For the front Ujoint, I just used the vice and pumped grease until the red is seen in all ends. Green marine grease may be suitable for areas where salt is used in the winter or along beach areas.