Im getting a clunking noise from under my truck and im thinking it could be the u joint??? , Im afraid to get on it for fear of having the dreaded drive shaft beating all to hell. What should i upgrade my U-joint with?

 

Don't forget to check the front driveshaft u-joints. My brothers 01' Z71 front driveshaft's u-joints were practically disintegrated. Worn down to small stubs.
It was making a lot of clunking noises. Not too long after the t-case fell apart inside. This was all about 100K.
You might want to check out a few of the performance driveshaft companies for a HD style u-joint.
You do know the o.e. u-joint retainers have to be burned out or chiseled out.
I've seen that the torch works better. New u-joints will come with customary snap ring type retainers.
Good Luck!

Jim

 

It could be the slip yoke. I had mine replaced under warranty. I would think the newer models wouldn't have the same problem, but maybe.

 

You kidding me? Nothing is easy any more!!! Can you or someone else give me the run down on replacing one of these things? im assuming the caps in the driveshaft need heated out? This sux. BTW, was your bro's front shaft clunking while in 4x4 or just 2 wheel?-Thanks.

 

not to steal the thread but, instead of a carrier bearing, is it possible to use a slip-yoke? if so, what are the draw backs? im pretty sure the yoke is stronger than the bearing

 

My brothers truck would do it in either 2wd or 4wd. The front shaft spins still I believe in 2wd. I could be wrong though.
One of my friends that is a mechanic, changed his u-joints. He used a torch. The retainers that GM uses from the factory are nylon molded in retainers. They come out with acetylene torch heat, no need to use the oxygen.
You just need to melt them out. Then clean it up with a knife or a steel pick.
The new ones will go back in like they use to when metal c-clips were used in the past. The molded nylon retainers are actually a good idea because it keeps the dirt out. The disadvantage is, you can't gease them.
The new u-joints will be greaseable, but dirt can still get in them. That's why keeping up on greasing them is recommended.
My friend replaced all 4 of his u-joints.

Jim

 

His driveshaft is a one piece aluminum one for the rear. He doesn't have a 2 piece driveshaft like we do. If that's what you were getting at.

Jim

 

Yep, front always spins.

Get a set spicer 1350 u-joints. You'll be golden.

Either front or rear, unless you have a press, I'd suggest taking the shaft and joints to driveline shop and having them do it. Not that it is rocket science or anything, but they can balance for you as well. Balancing is worth the money!

 

i am sure my clunking is my splip yolk bec i had one rear u jpint replaced and it still clunks

 

Now I get what you guys are talking about. The slip yoke that goes into the tranny right? That's the only one that I know with a one piece driveshaft.
The excessive tolerances in the yoke section of the tranny are were the clunking derives from. I'm no tranny specialist, so I have no idea what would fix it.
Ask the guys from FLT or another good trans shop about the yoke section.

Jim