I have 113,000 miles on my 92 2 wheel drive. I'm concerned about the lack of grease for so long. I called a repair shop. They said as long as there's no slop or noise don't worry about it. What do you guys say? I'd hate to drop a shaft at 70 mph over a cheap u-joint. If I change them what is a good brand that has grease fittings?

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92 Supercab Shortbed 2WD
Chrome Wheels, Pendaliner
White and Bimini Blue

 

At around 10 years and 120,000 miles I changed them on my diesel Suburban just 'cuz.

The replacements were going strong at 14 years and 175,000 miles.

Wait until they go eeeeeweeeweeeweeeweee or clunk when you shift into reverse, then put top-quality replacements in.

As long as you're not an animal with rear-wheel-hopping and don't putz with your driveline angle, you're probably going to get tired of the truck before the joints do.

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Y2K™ Jim - N8JG@Hotmail.com

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

Thanks Y2 in Kalamazoo. Though theu-joints seem fine, this truck has clunked going into reverse pretty much sice it was new. I never knew why, just thought it was normal slop in the ring & pinion. I'll look further into it.

 

Not the same.

You'd hear it like a crack or clank or snap or crunch -- not the normal gear backlash that Fords have been famous for since I started to drive back when gears had soft edges.

You're probably like me -- and feel that $50 for a few joints is cheaper than worrying as you pull the camper down the road. I actually didn't notice your mileage until after posting.

The REAL trick is finding someone that knows how to put them in without cracking a roller (or losing one - or slipping one into the end cap). If someone shows you how to do it the RIGHT way, you'd say it's pretty darned easy -- but I've seen some real klutzy two left-handed ten-thumbed mechanics lose to that simple task (I did too for the first few).