'79 short bed rwd pickup. The driveshaft at the rear differential almost dropped a couple of weeks ago while driving at 65. Driveshaft not bent, but in replacing the u-joint, I find that I can install the bearing caps pressing by hand into the yokes. It seems like like it shouldn't be that easy. I figure that the U-joint should not have to rely on the clamps.. It is the correct U-joint.
It's not unusual for them to push in or out by hand, but wasn't there a set of C clips that came with it to lock the caps into place?
Yes, it does have the "C" clips. I'm concerned that the C clips alone are not enough to prevent the bearing caps from dislodging.
Well, hundreds of thousands of these things would say otherwise? Don't know what else to tell you. You could ping the ends of the yokes with a punch, but it will make later removal a PITA...
Somewhere just above 11.1 million units, by Toyota's numbers... Toyota Global Site | Number of Vehicles Produced in Japan by Model
My question had to do with whether it is odd for the bearing caps to be able to be pressed by hand. That is, was my driveshaft and yoke shaft damaged by the recent failure. I have one view saying yes (should need a press) and one view saying no (by hand is not unusual). I'll give it a try. If the U joint falls out, I'll know the answer.
