[tjisthatyou]

I recently discovered that the "tick, tick, tick..." I was hearing from under my TJ was the driveshaft flopping around (actually dropping down) as the u-joints slid in the pinion yoke retaining straps. At fist I thought this was a u-joint problem and replaced those (needed it any way) and the retaining straps.

The problem is the same even after replacing the retaining straps and I'm wondering if the issue is with the yoke.

I'm getting the impression that this sliding u-joint is a common problem. Anyone know of successful fixes? Has replacing the pinion yoke worked for anyone trying to stop this?

Thanks for any advice and sharing your experience.

- Jim

[Jerry Bransford]

If the u-joint is the right size and the yoke isn't damaged, the u-joint should "lock" into the yoke so it can't slide either direction. The u-joint is held very precisely by the yoke, I'd look to see if 1) the u -joint is the correct size and 2) closely examine the yoke for damage.

[tjisthatyou]

Hey, thanks. I figured it shouldn't have room to slide back and forth like that. The Spicer aftermarket part I put in is 1-153X. Is this the wrong part for the rear driveshaft?

When I hold the end of one bearing cap up against one of the ears/tabs on the rear yoke there is at least a 1/8 inch gap between the opposite bearing cap and eat/tab on the other side of the yoke.

On the driveshaft side the joint fits snuggly between the c-clips so I figured it must be the correct size, anything larger would not fit in the driveshaft.

[otisdog]

The 5-153x is the correct u-joint for the driveshafts. Is yours a 1-153X ??
Bad yoke?
Here's the correct shaft u-joints. The 785 is sealed the 153 is greasable.
http://www.actionmachineinc.com/5-785xu-joint.aspx

Here's they yoke for a D35 - is that what you have? Keep in mind that the D35 has a crush sleeve so that changing the yoke is not as easy as just taking the old off and putting the new on.
http://www.actionmachineinc.com/dana...-4-4601-1.aspx
Jim

[Jerry Bransford]

X2, the 5-153X is the correct p/n for a greasable u-joint for your driveshaft. I don't know what a 1-153X is so maybe that's the problem.

Personally, I think Spicer's 5-785x is the better way to go which is their latest triple-sealed u-joint. Spicer considers that series to be their best & most durable u-joints ever. Only if you were a regular deep-mud type would the greasable 5-153x be a better choice. Not to mention the 5-153x is drilled for grease channels and isn't quite as strong or durable long-term as the 5-785x is.

If you have to replace the yoke, just tighten the nut to 150-180 lbs. with a torque wrench after using red Locktite on the threads and you'll be fine.

[tjisthatyou]

Cool. Thanks guys. Yeah, it IS a 5-153X u-joint. I just mistyped the number When I went to the store (4Wheel parts) no one mentioned greasable/non-greasable options.

Sounds like replacing the yoke is in order. I take that link to the yoke as a recommendation?