I didn't see any other write ups on this topic so I figured I'd put in what I do. Lmk if there's any other tips or tricks when doing this that'll help. This is just how I've done it.
Just a note, I used unsealed spicer ujoints for this and used a new centering ball yoke assembly instead of just replacing the ball
First and foremost is remove the driveshaft. In this case I'm doing the front driveshaft so it'll be 2 ujoint straps on the yoke of the front axle and 4 bolts for the yoke on the transfer case
It helps to have a vice to hold everything in place, just be careful not to crush the driveshaft tube or bend anything
Once that's all set up, it's time to remove the ujoints. I personally found it easier to remove the the 2nd ujoint as it doesn't have the centering ball yoke holding it in place. Remove the clips that hold the ujoint caps in and either press or hammer the ujoint in one direction. I prefer using a hammer and 3/4 short socket instead of a press because it's less likely to bend anything and it helps jolt any rust that's holding the cap free
Once pushed out far enough one side, pull the cap fully out
Now do the same going the other direction until you have the caps off and enough room to separate the main part from the driveshaft
Now do a similar thing to get the other ujoint out. Pull one cap off and then the other and pull the joint and centering ball yoke out.
Clean off the pin (not sure of the real name) that goes into the centering ball and remove the spring.
Clean out everything best as you can and pay special attention to getting the spots where the ujoint caps fit in. They're press fit so they need to be kept squeaky clean
Time to reassemble. I start from the second ujoint again, connecting the driveshaft to the main part of the double cardan. If you are using sealed ujoints, make sure you put the caps back on the side they came off. I take both caps off and hold the joint in place and tap both caps in from the outside, bit by bit. Be careful when doing this, you shouldn't need a ton of force and if you do, something isn't right. Make sure all the needle bearings are in the caps and seated properly. The picture below is what will cause the cap to not press into place fully
Once the ujoint is in, install the retaining clips. The clips won't seat properly unless the caps are pressed fully in. After this I like to put the spring in the pin with a bit of grease. If you got a new centering yoke assembly like me, it comes with a new spring
Then install the main part of the double cardon. Same thing, tap or press the caps into place from the outside in. It should look like this when done
Then put the centering yoke and ball on. I usually put the spring in the pin side as it just makes it easier to assemble.
Once done that, put the other ujoint in. Again, press the caps on and install the retainer ring
That should be it. It should look something like this
Just a note, I used unsealed spicer ujoints for this and used a new centering ball yoke assembly instead of just replacing the ball
First and foremost is remove the driveshaft. In this case I'm doing the front driveshaft so it'll be 2 ujoint straps on the yoke of the front axle and 4 bolts for the yoke on the transfer case
It helps to have a vice to hold everything in place, just be careful not to crush the driveshaft tube or bend anything
Once that's all set up, it's time to remove the ujoints. I personally found it easier to remove the the 2nd ujoint as it doesn't have the centering ball yoke holding it in place. Remove the clips that hold the ujoint caps in and either press or hammer the ujoint in one direction. I prefer using a hammer and 3/4 short socket instead of a press because it's less likely to bend anything and it helps jolt any rust that's holding the cap free
Once pushed out far enough one side, pull the cap fully out
Now do the same going the other direction until you have the caps off and enough room to separate the main part from the driveshaft
Now do a similar thing to get the other ujoint out. Pull one cap off and then the other and pull the joint and centering ball yoke out.
Clean off the pin (not sure of the real name) that goes into the centering ball and remove the spring.
Clean out everything best as you can and pay special attention to getting the spots where the ujoint caps fit in. They're press fit so they need to be kept squeaky clean
Time to reassemble. I start from the second ujoint again, connecting the driveshaft to the main part of the double cardan. If you are using sealed ujoints, make sure you put the caps back on the side they came off. I take both caps off and hold the joint in place and tap both caps in from the outside, bit by bit. Be careful when doing this, you shouldn't need a ton of force and if you do, something isn't right. Make sure all the needle bearings are in the caps and seated properly. The picture below is what will cause the cap to not press into place fully
Once the ujoint is in, install the retaining clips. The clips won't seat properly unless the caps are pressed fully in. After this I like to put the spring in the pin with a bit of grease. If you got a new centering yoke assembly like me, it comes with a new spring
Then install the main part of the double cardon. Same thing, tap or press the caps into place from the outside in. It should look like this when done
Then put the centering yoke and ball on. I usually put the spring in the pin side as it just makes it easier to assemble.
Once done that, put the other ujoint in. Again, press the caps on and install the retainer ring
That should be it. It should look something like this
