Dana 44 Solid Front Axle: Reverse Spiral and Standard Housing info..

Warning! These pages are for educational and information purposes only. If you want to modify your vehicle Or steering; take you vehicle to a qualified shop and let them do the work. If done improperly you could not only lose your life you many take others with you! This page is Pro-Life, including saving others and your own life, not to mention the un-born children.
Page updated April 2006

After seen several post of people screwing up yokes on axles shafts, I figure I'd post my notes. I'd like to thank Dave Jacobs for tell me this method, it is all I use now.
This method is the the Dana 44 axle shaft with 5-297x style u-joints running an internal snap ring.

	Picture thanks to Jason, aka Redrum on MN-Jeep.com This is what happens to a U-joint when a hydraulic press is used. The yoke easily bends.
Second picture from Jkrause on Jeepaholics.com. He said "We used a ball joint / u joint press made for the job" the results speak for them self's. Good intentions by not using a large hydraulic press, but another victim of a press.
Pic coming	This is a rusted axle shaft and u-joint, a prime candidate for a difficult replacement. If really rusted, soak in PB Blaster or Liquid wrench the night before.

Parts Needed:
1. Used axle shaft assembly
2. New U-joint
(Author suggest only using quality parts such as OEM Spicer 5-760x)

Tools Needed:
1. Larger screw driver
2. 16 oz ball-peen hammer.
3. Pick or wire brush
4. Pipe cleaner, or steelwool
5. Optional Paint.
6. Safety Glasses!

	First remove the C-Clips. Each U-joint cap has an internal c-clip, you need to remove 4 clips per u-joint. Use the pick or brush to clean the area for the c-clip. Then take the larger screw driver, position firmly on the c-clip. Hit the end of the hammer to drive the c-clip out. (Red arrow points to area of screw driver engagement) Don't worry if you don't get it on your first try, just be careful to not round the end. Careful as these things can fly fast, everyone needs safety glasses. Hint: You can push the clip around to get a new end if you fail one side.
	Second: Loosen the u-joint caps. Hold the axle inner axle shaft parallel to the ground in on one hand, and have the hammer in the other. Strike the area with the red X in the photo. Your axle will swing back, so make sure your in a larger area clear of any obstacles.
	Third: Remove the caps on the inner axle shaft side. Place the axle shaft in a vice
	Forth: Remove the inner axle shaft.
	Fifth: Remove the outer axle shaft caps and u-joint.

The Hammer trick is not working, these caps are stuck beyond belief!
Stop and say a prayer, try agian.

Although I've never done this (hammer worked for me) I've heard people say to use a torch and cut the center of the cap off. Then take the bearing out, and the cap should come out. Good luck and let me know if it works!

	To install your new u-joint into the axle shaft make sure the axle shaft are clean. Now is the time to paint if your going to. Avoid painting the bearing suffices (both u-joint and axle) and the splines.
	Start with a quality product: A Spicer 5-297x type u-joint can be found for $18-23

Warning! These pages are for information only. If you want to modify your vehicle Or steering; take you vehicle to a qualified shop and let them do the work. If done improperly you could not only lose your life you many take others with you! This page is Pro-Life, including saving others and your own life, not to mention the un-born children.

Why am I pushing Pro-Life? As you can tell when I don't know something I like to research it. My Wife showed me on to the horrors of choice.
I ask you click on the picture above and take 1 hour out of your life to read up on factual accounts of abortion.
Thank you.

If you do nothing else, preserve life. This is a Pro-Life web page.
Funny how pro choice is really only one choice. That "choice" is murder

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Warning! These pages are for information only. If you want to modify your vehicle Or steering; take you vehicle to a qualified shop and let them do the work. If done improperly you could not only lose your life you many take others with you! This page is Pro-Life, including saving others and your own life, not to mention the un-born children.