I need to replace my passanger side ujoint on my 96 dodge ram, can you just cut it out with a torch and replace it??? wouldn't that be easier? hey, i admit not much of a mechanic, a few starters , water pumps, ect...but thats it

appreciate your input,

 

No. Just disconnect them.

 

ummm... sure you can cut it out with a torch, but what's your plan on getting the new on back in? you will have to take out the drive axle anyway.

 

Just take it out, my .02 cents

 

get the BFH out...

 

just press it out. If it doesn't want to come out, you can torch it, but i'de be careful not to distort the yoke. When i did the ujoint on my atv, i heated it too much and distorted the yoke.

 

JUST SAY NO TO THE TORCH!!

NO BS - That can bedangerous!

I've seen it done and here's what can happen - The air and grease inside the U joint are getting super hot and have no place to go.

When you finally burn through and hit the drilled passage the grease and air are finally going to have a way out - fast, boiling and under high pressure!!

Get in the way of that oreven get back spatter and you're gonna be a hurt unit!!
Probably won't burn down your garage or your truck but it could mess you up BAD!

Maybe I'm overstating the danger here but it really isn't a good idea.

So I'd say ya, time for the BFH or if you can get it off the truck use a press or possibly a table vice if you have a big one (press it out with a socket)

 

To the above poster, you are SO correct about the pressure build up.LOL.


Just my two cents as a PROheat advocate......................ahem................



F*&# yes on the heat. Remove the grease fitting if it has one. If it doesn't, dig out the four rubber seals as best as you can. They will vent thru there without any kind of pressure.

Heat the snot out of the caps, all 4four. Then slam the unit into a bucket of water. Let it boil itself right out.


You'll be able to press the u-joints out with a Craftsman socket........lol.

Before you reassemble, take a drill, a dremmel, etc, something with a wire brush that will fit into the fixed yoke. Scrub it till it's all bare metal. Slap it with no-seize, and it goes back together with great ease.


Hope this helps. Take caution when you remove that hub assembly too.


Good luck with your ride.

 

Just remove the snap rings and it'll come apart without the heat, unless something tragic happened along the years.

 

If you get the correct press kit on loan from a parts store
replacing all 4 ball joints is not that bad.

https://dodgeforum.com/m_639375/tm.htm

Heat is not needed to remove them
but a good electric heat gun like a Milwaukee
and 'dry ice' (solid CO2) with good gloves
can make putting the new ones in easier.

You can use the left over dry ice
to burn (freeze) off warts and moles
on you and your family's skin