They're really not that bad, just a little more finicky than other u-joints

 

Since I use this forum so much as a valuable tool, thought I might as well join up!

I am in the middle of this job myself. I broke the H Flange and for that I am off to the wreckers to try and scrounge for another one, grrrrrrrrr...

The little ball socket deal was a surprise and looks shot to me. Is this a piece that is readily available at most part stores or do I have to go to a dealership and get bent over? lol.

Second question would be is this the cause of the awful clicking/clacking noise when in 4x4?

 

the clicking clacking noise youre refering to is one of your front axle joints. jack up the front of your truck, take the tires off(one at a time if needed) and then grab the axle joints and turn them back and forth. if the have play theyre bad. thats your problem.

 

Great........... So I broke the H flange for fun, haha

My driver side front hub was starting to squeal so I undertook that job this past Friday. While in there I replaced the axle u-joint And upper & lower ball joints. So I have a 50% chance that I might have unknowingly fixed it already??

I haven't done the passenger side yet as I have the infamous axle seal leak going on but its next. I'm hoping the constant lubing from the leak makes disassembly a little easier than the driver side was.

So since I was done a day earlier (I gave myself 3 days) I decided to do the front axle u-joints. (I'm now starting day 4 lol) I'm a little worried about this Carden ball thing. In the pavement sucks diy it says to pry the ball out of the end flange. Mine came out of the housing on its own and is exposed but the ball appears to be attached to the end of the driveshaft yoke. It appears to be a part of the yoke and shouldn't come off??

Maybe I should try and attach a pic? Is it much of a process?

 

Attachment 12811Attachment 12810


Pic of the ball attached to the yoke, the broken H flange and the piece the ball was supposed to be attached to?

Well I'm off to the wreckers to find that damn H flange, wish me luck....

Guess I should add, its a 2001 1500 ext cab.