I need a dual size U-joint to adapt a front drive shaft to the front diff and I am not sure what two sizes to look for and where to buy the dual size adapter joint.

First off, what size is the front diff yoke U-joint in a 1998, Dodge Ram 1500, 360, 4x4? Is it 1310? 1330? 1350?

Next, does anyone happen to know what the front diff yoke joint size is for a 1994 Ford Explorer?

Basically what I did was put the NP242 transfer case from a 1998 Durango into my 1998 Ram. Based on the suggestion from a fellow forum member who did the same swap, a 1994 Ford Explorer front drive shaft was called for. It's got the right CV transfer case end, the right length, and it's plentiful and cheap.

I have already rebuilt the CV end and it fits the transfer case just fine. Now I need to figure out the two U-joint sizes from the two different front ends, and buy an adapter U-joint that will mate the two different sizes.

I've tried Googling but there are so many different part numbers and different names for the different sizes that I am having trouble being sure.

I'd like to buy a Dana Spicer joint, so keeping the part numbers in the 13xx part numbers would go a long way to helping me on this.

Thanks.

 

If you still have the old joints, take them both to your local parts store. They can measure them out, and look up the combo-joint you need.

 

I thought about that but you have more faith in the guys that work in our parts stores than I do.

When I originally went in to get the joints for the CV end, I blew the guy's mind when I told him that two U-joints are used in the same joint assembly and he couldn't fathom how to even look it up.

Finally I had to turn the book around, show him the part number, and tell him to get TWO of them off the shelf and that would be all. LOL.

Do part stores carry the adapter joints or will I have to order it you think?

 

Just as HeyYou suggested, you'll be looking for a COMBO Ujoint, if there is one possible. It would be based on the Ford one for the shaft side and then on the yoke for the axle side on the pinion.

Here are couple links to start you on your path, again, this assumes there is a combo ujoint for them. If not, then you can decide where you want to change to. A good face-to-face conversation with a reputable driveline shop for info will/should go a long way.

http://www.dennysdriveshaft.com/c130...al_joints.html

http://www.theujointstore.com/cou.html

Make sure you come back with the results for people!!

 

Good luck getting a parts guy to sit and do your work for you, it could take him hrs or days to find the cross-joint you are looking for. Head on over to the Spicer web site and start doing a search.

If you would like us to help we need more specs on the part needed, like cap size, width so on.

Ask the guy that has already done the swap for the part number.

 

The forum member who did the swap before me offered to look up the joint number and PM it to me. That was months ago. I've sent a reminder PM but nothing. I just don't think he frequents the site very often.

A little more research has turned up a few options, but also another stumbling block. The Ram diff joint uses inside locking rings. The Explorer front joint uses outside locking rings.

The problem I seem to be encountering is different part numbers based on different ways of measuring. Some measure the cup. Some measure the cap. Some measure the distance from flat to flat.

I'll know more this afternoon I hope and maybe have the joint I need by morning.

 

Sometimes and I mean sometimes you can find the exact same cap with the opposite locking ring and just swap the two caps. I need some kind of part number to even begin to help you, what cross-joint are you starting with? Is it the same width as the Dodge cross-joint? same dia caps?

 

I appreciate the help and I think I got if solved.

Napa was able to order a joint for me that fits the Explorer shaft, with outside rings, the Ram diff with inside rings, and it'll be here in the morning. If it really is the one I need I'll have it first thing and I'll make sure do a writeup with the part number in case someone else out there wants to change their Ram transfer case from the 231 to the 242.

I have a 1998 Durango with the 242 and I love having the Full Time 4x4 as an option for when the roads are a mix of wet and dry.