Replacing Rear Drive Shaft U-Joints

[ngiovas]

My 2015 Ram 2500 recently developed a slow-speed squeak. After further investigation, it appears to be coming from the u-joint that is connected to the rear differential. I have decided to go ahead and replace all three u-joints on the rear driveshaft.

The last truck I replaced the u-joints on didn't have the support bearing in the middle of the drive shaft. All I had to do was unbolt the end at the differential and then slide the spline out to replace the u joints. To remove the shaft on my 2500, is the only other step to remove the two bolts on the support bearing and drop it with the shaft?

I have a press and the tools to remove the u-joint. Are there any other tips you can provide when doing this repair?

thanks,
Nick

 

[Fast69Mopar]

My 2015 Ram 2500 recently developed a slow-speed squeak. After further investigation, it appears to be coming from the u-joint that is connected to the rear differential. I have decided to go ahead and replace all three u-joints on the rear driveshaft.

The last truck I replaced the u-joints on didn't have the support bearing in the middle of the drive shaft. All I had to do was unbolt the end at the differential and then slide the spline out to replace the u joints. To remove the shaft on my 2500, is the only other step to remove the two bolts on the support bearing and drop it with the shaft?

I have a press and the tools to remove the u-joint. Are there any other tips you can provide when doing this repair?

thanks,
Nick

You are correct in that the only extra step is to remove the two fasteners for the center support bearing and then remove the
prop-shaft. The only thing I can recommend is something I do on every truck like yours is to mark the location of the center support bearing so you can install it in it's original location. It's just a habit so I don't introduce a vibration in the driveline.

 

[ngiovas]

Thanks for confirming, and thanks for the tip.

 

[Hydraplane]

...and mark the yokes so it is all reassembled as it was to help maintain original balance.

 

[ngiovas]

...and mark the yokes so it is all reassembled as it was to help maintain original balance.

I did this and everything worked out well. The squeaking is gone and a slight vibration in the driveline has also disappeared. The u-joint that was at the rear diff was definitely shot. Two of the cap seals had failed and the bearings were rusted. I'm just glad I decided to take care of it before complete failure (probably while towing).

I'm hoping this repair will bump the mileage on my 6.4L up to 25MPG (OK, maybe not ).