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Replace Axle to Replace U-Joint??

1.5K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  thedeuce01  
#1 ·
Hi Everyone. I ended up taking the Bronco in to the shop to let them do the ball joint and u-joint repairs (as well as the tie rod ends and other stuff they've found). It turned out that the U-joint on the left side was fine, but the one on the right needs to be replaced. He's telling me that the U-Joint is welded onto the axle and can't be removed so he has to replace the whole assembly. He found a used one for $150 and will have it tomorrow. Does this sound right to y'all? These guys have been straight with me so far and have a good reputation, but this one sounds odd.
 
#3 ·
They are removable, but if it’s the original joint from 1994 it’s possible it’s “welded” with rust and not worth fighting to remove them.....
I’ve welded mine into the axle shafts in the past, it helps them stay together under hardcore off-road use, so it’s possible someone actually welded the joints in also.
Either way, doesn’t throw any huge red flags for me either, I don’t think they are screwing you over or anything
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm sure there's rust in the mix (he's made it a point to remind me how much he has to fight the thing in removing stuff). It spent the first 25 years of it's life in Kansas and looked like this before I got it over to a local guy who specializes in "rust restorations" and metal fabrication:

170503
 
#5 ·
you can buy complete OEM replacement shafts new for that price

Spicer 71394-1X is left. its Amazon Prime for 95$. JBG has it for 87$

Spicer 72044-1X is right side. its not Prime or as cheap but is available. JBG has it for 164$

searching the part numbers might be able to find them cheaper. maybe Rockauto
 
#6 ·
Thanks @Kingfish999. He's only replacing the right shaft (the left was fine) and I think I found it at Rock Auto for $146. So, could've gotten new for about the same $$.

170599


My guess is he found the used one locally and went that route to avoid locking up a bay while waiting on delivery. On the plus side, if I buy the parts from them they guarantee the work for 12K/12Mo. So, hopefully it'll work out. Not much I can do about it at this point...
 
#7 ·
that is jsut 1 piece of shaft (front outer), not the whole assembly (inner, outer and u-joint). due to the price i guessing its chromoly which is extra strong for offroading.

id have him replace the joint regardless. even if you never use 4x4, the joints will seize up and cause steering issues. the Spicer 5-760X joint used nowdays is considered 5x more durable than the older 5-297X originally used on our trucks.
 
#9 · (Edited)
25 years in Overland Park, KS...yep...

We'll never get rid of all the rust, but here's how that section looks now (the second shock hadn't been installed yet):

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