So I have replaced the u joints on my truck three times within the past two years. I purchased the auto zones brand duralast gold so I keep getting a free replacement but I'm thinking they should last longer. My truck has about a 6-8in lift its a little hard to tell as I didn't initially lift it. Anyone know a good brand that won't make me replace it as often? It's only in 4wd when I plow my driveway or it's snowing very bad which is maybe 3times a year.
I know moogs good for steering parts not sure about u joints.
Thanks

 

Quick question, how do you install them?

 

U need a u joint press or similar looks like a big c clamp pushes them out and installs them. If it's your first time u might break one on installation but it's way cheaper then a shop. There are inner clips that need to be removed before the u joint can be pressed. It's fairly easy separating the hub takes a while until you figure out that u can use the power steering as a press which is a very helpful tip. YouTube should have some videos.

 

He was probably asking how you install them specifically because it could be the root of your problems.

 

Oh well that makes more sense. But they don't bind and I'm careful with the needle bearings to make sure they are in place. They work fine for a while but then just go bad.

 

Sorry meant to say HOW *DID* YOU INSTALL THEM.

I used the most expensive grease-able ones that i could get( I was younger/dumber) in my old axle they lasted for some time (5ish years)never was hard on it in 4wd though. They did give up shortly after last year while snow plowing.

The reason i asked how did you install them was because I've heard of to many people complaining about brand A and brand B only to find out that they hammered them in. (Didn't use a press)

 

haha yea I'm slow at typing

 

These aren't greasavle at the time I just bought whatever autozone had never really looked or searched for better options. Which ones do you use forcer?

 

I just did an axle swap, but didn't change the joints at the wheels. I did however change the ones in the drive shafts, the rear so far waiting on a new yoke for the front drive shaft. I using a combination of Moog and precision grease-able u joints. I personally think grease-able is better just remember to get them during your oil change.

 

Yep well I currently have my steering parts all grease able and I grease them every 1500 miles