Yep. I've also beat the old one out using a socket, while resting the DS on a brick.....very hi-tech stuff.:laugh:

 

Yea it's the same thing all right (in principle) except the ball joint/ u-joint press is a whole lot stouter.

 

I second the "beating the socket" post! Just make sure the socket isnt too small or you'll damage the u-joint

 

I thought the same thing until I actually had to use one. With the handle

, I could not get enough force to turn the handle. The flat edges of the clamp kept sliding off as the edges of the U Joint mount and are not completely flat. Mine were seized in and I needed to Zip Cut them out. I ended using a 4inch clamp, anything bigger didn't fit underneath. I used a 3/4 inch socket and a 1 1/8, just remember to take the length of each socket, plus the U joint and that is the minimum opening of the mouth needs to be.
Just some problems I had, hopefully you dont experience the same problems I did.

 

u-joint presses have a nut on the top...so you can get lots of torque by using a breaker bar, wrench, whatever. c-clamps have a little t-handle. u-joint presses also have fine thread shafts, c-clamps have a coarse thread shaft. also meaning you won't get as much torque or fine control of movement.

 

alright then sounds like im going to attempt it was a c clamp at first, if it fails il use the proper tool.

 

It's the way I do it every time.

 

u-joint replacement methods/tools

Good thread. You can use the C-Clamp, specific u-joint tool, hammer and socket, or bench vise and 2 sockets. It's always a good idea to try the method to match the tools in your jeep. It'll be a great lesson to learn for when this happens on the trail....been there...done that...

Bob K.

 

I used to use a c-clamp/socket-hammer setup before I bought a press...

 

I've been using a c-clamp for years. No problem. Ever.

 

well sir you are lucky. I ran into the problem with the out put on my TC as the caps were so 'rusted' in place, as soon as I hit them with the hammer and socket, there was too much re-verberation that nothing moved.

I have my order in for my SYE and be done the POS output shaft on the TC !!

I found this site to be of TREMENDOUS help.. U-Joint Replacement - 1

In hind sight, a couple of blocks of wood jammed between the shaft and tub, but I was being lazy as I was late at night and I was tired.

 

Not sure if a c-clamp would do this. happened trying to remove my new axle joints to put the full circle clip on them. Kind of ruined my Friday night.

 

I used the hammer / socket / brick method again today...quick and easy. Like said above, this is probably how I'll do it on the trail, if need be.

 

If you have any type of rust on ur u-joints I doubt you'll be able to get enough torque on them using a c-clamp. I live in Hawaii.. so there is alot of rust here. But I had to use an impact and the u-joint press to get mine out. Every u-joint cap broke in the process also. U-joint press's just make every thing move a little smoother.. Install went flawless.. you can get a harbor freight one for like 50 bucks.

 

HF press is usually $30.

 

Gotta throw the Hawaii Inflation in there tho.. hah!