So , I'm not entirely sure what the issue is here and how to explain it, I've been swapping my rear end ujoints out it's an 8.8 3.55gr LSD. For both side connecting to the flange on the rear axle and to the transfer case half of the clips wont physically clip into the rings I can get one side on but the other side doesnt seem to go deep enough for the clip to latch in like the cap is to long for it. The old ujoints that had 1350 SP on the front which I'm assuming it was a 1350 splicer so I went and grabbed some moog 232s which match the size (both 1.188" diameter) Am I doing something wrong here or am I using the wrong type of ujoint? I've done u joint on 3 other vehicles and never had an issue getting them set.

 

Did one of your needles pop out and get stuck between the cap and the joint? Been there, done that.

 

Nope checked all of that as well all the pins are in place.

 

Does the new u-joint measure the same length and diameter as the old one?

 

possibly bent the ears while beating the old joints out

 

They don't appear bent i used a press i borrowed from my buddy to get then out definitely was efficient at removing them but I still prefer a socket and hammer. Ive spent over an hour cleaning and inspecting them after I was having trouble and yes exact size matches moog doesnt seem to skimp. I do appreciate the help though do you think filing down the caps a bit might help ? Be cause were looking at maybe a millimeter needed for the clips to lock in?

 

Do your old and new clips measure the same? I just bought new u joints for the Highboy and they came with 4 different sets of clips all varying thickness' so you can get them in.

 

They are the same style external clips except for the one with the grease insert even then it's the same thickness just not 18 years old and rusty. Let me re phrase what I said a bit on the u joint when I put one side on and out the clip it it clips right in no issues then i go to put the other side in and nope no dice. It does it on the driveshaft itself and the other flange that connects to the rear axel.you can physically see that the top of the cap sits right in the middle of the clip ring. It's not a big enough space for the clip to lock which is why I'm confused since it had a 1350 SP on there and the moog 232 fits exact match.

 

I hear ya and I had the same problem on the Highboy.... the different thickness of clips allowed me to put one in. Spicer (the ones I bought) specifically come with different thicknesses so you can use the set that works for you. Digital calipers are the only way you'll see a difference in thickness... it's splitting hairs.

I know exactly what you're saying cz I literally fought this same battle 2 months ago.

I first thought I bought the wrong size but nope all the same... I thought I had a needle fall... nope all good... I could physically compress the caps that extra hair I needed, but wouldn't ever stay and the clip never went in. You can try to wipe off the grease and see if that gives enough clearance and then hit it with the grease gun after or you can buy some different thickness clips. Or take it to a shop and have them install it.

 

I had similar problem with mine. U joint caps were not seated fully against the snap rings. Also, there was some corrosion inside the snap ring slots, which reduced the clearance. I cleaned out the slots with a small wire brush on a dremel, put in one ring, then used a socket and ball peen hammer to seat the u-joint.