They can be a constant headache or they can be your best friend. Depends on how you want to look at them exploding every time out. Yes, you get a "sinking" feeling when 1/2 way through a hole you hear a loud pop and then a noisy whirring kinda sound. That's when it hits you that your rear tires have stopped spinning. You shattered the back U-joint.
Why? Could be any of many different reasons. From it just being an old wore out U-joint to a root. Generally, you "should" be glad when one snaps. U- joints are MUCH cheaper than axles or R&P sets! Remember, when you have a Big Block wound up and have a set of 44's spinning at about 50 or 60 mph, and one of those 6" tall "Lugs" snag a tree root........ SOMETHING is fixing to explode! And the U-joint is designed to be the part that does. If the U-joint doesn't snap, then there goes that 6" lug, a twisted driveshaft, a transfer case, even a tranny bellhousing. Watched one poor guy that had just put a military 1.5 Ton front end under his jeep get hung on a root. He snapped the left axle and shattered his ring gear. And that is some serious equipment. So don't be too upset when you snap a U-joint!
They can be headache, but should not stop you from going on with your mudding. They take only a few minutes to fix.(Talking driveshaft wise, anyway)
Just make sure you always have spares in your truck.(front and back, some vehicles use two different sizes) A handful of your most basic tools will get it changed. A few wrenches, pliers, hammer, and a socket that fits the cap to beat it out with. Do 2 or 3 of them and it becomes second nature.
Now, if you snap one in a front axle, that is a bit different. Hopefully, you can make it back home in 2-wheel drive or else you're gonna be there a while. You must remove the tire, brakes, hub, rotor, spindle, and axle. Very possible to do on the trail, but takes more tools and more time.
Also, always try to go with UN-greasable style. They tend to be thicker and heavier than the kind you have to grease. Had the best luck with Spicer.
|
