4340 outers

[chiefheaphy]

I got 35 spline outers on the way. Stupid question, but I've just never done it before. How do you get the damn u-joint apart. Those little bitches are tough.

 

[boz42]

someone posted this same thing last week, u got to beat them into submission, or press them out. try searching for more details.

 

[gmcjimmy4x4]

Ive heard heating them alittle with a torch may help, but you will still have to beat them out. You can also call a local machine shop, they will press them out for you with ease. Or go to harbor freight and buy a shop press for about $100. Youd be surprised how often you can put it to use.

 

[tarussell]

BFH or a shop press works wonders . Becareful with the BFH so not to deform the ears on the shafts . Tap on the down side of the ear heading towards the shaft.
Tom

 

[chiefheaphy]

Press

6-ton press at Harbor Freight for $75 that should be more than enough force right? Even though I know the guy at the machine shop he still needs to make a living to. For what he would probably charge to remove and then later reinstall the joints I might as well invest in the press.

 

[87BrnRsd]

Have you removed the clips?
-Harrison

 

[chiefheaphy]

clips

I cant find or get to the clips. Are they under the cap in the same place as driveshaft u-joints or are they on the underside?

 

[ntsqd]

Most likely a 4340 shaft is heat treated. Getting anywhere near one with a torch will destroy most of it's strength.

Clips are sometimes on the inside of the cup rather than the outside.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Most likely a 4340 shaft is heat treated. Getting anywhere near one with a torch will destroy most of it's strength.

Yeah, DON'T use a torch.

Presses can bend the yokes on shafts and ruin them. Using impact (hammer and punch) keeps the yoke from bending and is the right way to do it, IMO.