Axle U-joint throwing clips???

TigTorch · Jun 21, 2008

So I got real lucky on this one. Found this while inspecting the under side of my heep. On closer look I found the clip for the opposite side of the cross completely gone. What

Not Jobless · Jun 21, 2008

The ears are probably stretching out causing the caps to rotate. Any play will be a bad thing.

Tack the caps in.

JOOP · Jun 21, 2008

typical on jeep axles. either tack weld them in or replace the shafts with some chromoly's. The ears are probably wobbled out. The cap will eventuall sling out and then you snap the ears off the axle shaft. Been there done that.

CHOP SHOP · Jun 21, 2008

be carful some caps have some plastic compounds in the end of the cap I think, maybe. they will melt into the rolers. (some brands) I have pulled them out and used a grinder to make the ear flat all the way around the cap like an aftermarket axle is. then you can use a full circul clip. and yes it happens all the time. most folks dont catch it untill it eats the ears.:beer:

Totalled · Jun 21, 2008

Grind the ears for snap rings.

TigTorch · Jun 23, 2008

Thanks for the info guys! I had no idea the caps would rotate in the yokes. Makes perfect sense now how the clips were coming off.

So I took a paint pen and marked across the caps before going out. This is what I found after a day at Reiter. Sure as ****, the caps are rotating. Moved 1/8 to 1/4 turn.

So does this mean the yokes are already stretched and I need Superior or Alloy aftermarket axles or can I reliably save these by grinding for full clips ?? Once the caps start rotating can the axles be saved??

Not Jobless · Jun 23, 2008

TigTorch said:
Thanks for the info guys! I had no idea the caps would rotate in the yokes. Makes perfect sense now how the clips were coming off.

So I took a paint pen and marked across the caps before going out. This is what I found after a day at Reiter. Sure as ****, the caps are rotating. Moved 1/8 to 1/4 turn.

So does this mean the yokes are already stretched and I need Superior or Alloy aftermarket axles or can I reliably save these by grinding for full clips ?? Once the caps start rotating can the axles be saved??

Put the U-joint in with plenty of grease and tack weld them in. I can't remember about the clearance between the knuckle and the shafts but make sure that axle will still come out after tacking the u-joint.

KarlVP · Jun 23, 2008

I fully weld my caps in.

PITA to get apart, but I haven't had any problems so far.

JOOP · Jun 23, 2008

KarlVP said:
I fully weld my caps in.

PITA to get apart, but I haven't had any problems so far.

LOL you just jinxed yourself and your sporty Dana 30 :haha:

JPT · Jun 24, 2008

Yes tack the caps in for sure, I always did until I baught Alloys. The little tricks you need to know are important if you wheel a Dana 30

:beer:

NotMatt · Jun 24, 2008

x20-something on tack welding the caps in. I'm running the -original- spicer joints that came with my waggy 44 on 36" TSL's. I did nothing but tack the caps in, and I haven't had a failure yet, even though I carry spares. Keeps the caps from backing out or rotating in the ears and makes for a nice long u-joint life.

Lincolnlock · Jun 24, 2008

As mentioned before. Sand down the ridge on the ears and install full snap rings. It will be easier to get out of the knuckle this way. That's what I did when I used to run stockies.