man i took my front axle out yesterday, dana 35, and the u joint hadnt been replaced since the car was built in 87. What a pain in the a$$!! I ended up using a die grinder and just zipping off the ends and then banging the crap out of the caps to get them out. i have to do the other side, anyone know an easier way?

Get a Jeep! They are easier to work on than cars... [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

And what car had a D35 in the front?

Harbor Freight sells a large C-clamp for just that purpose. I have heard it works great

PB Blaster is great stuff man... get to know it well....

I use a vise to change mine. Place the u-joint in the vise, with a small socket which will fit through the eye of the u-joint on one side, against the cap. On the other side place a large socket that the other cap will fit into when it gets pushed out as you tighten the vise. Use a breaker bar on the vise handle if you have to. Same principle when pushing the new caps in. I bought my vise years ago just for this purpose. Good luck.

1. Buy yourself an inexpensive ($40) ball-joint tool.
2. They work great for U-Joints.

trade it in for birfields! [img]images/graemlins/deal.gif[/img]

You can also use the same concept as shadOwridr mentioned but in the manner of fixing it on the trail (good habit to get into) one socket to push through the eye, one to catch on the other side and swingin a BFH sittin on the ground. Alot of guys, some of them on this board have done this so often sitting on the trailside they can probably do a switch in less than 15 minutes and that's blind folded, both hands tied behind their back and hanging from their ankles. U-joints are a common trail break I'd suggest if you are wheeling get real good at replacing them.
John
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Experience is the best teacher , next time it will be easier