Breaking U-joints...

[jester]

This is the second time in a month that the front U-joint on my rear drive shaft has broke, the one that goes into the transfer case. I replace it last time it broke took it out four-wheeling and drove it all over town without a single incident, but then the other night I was driving to a friends house just along the highway and it just snapped all of the sudden. Here are some pics of the carnage. Anyone have any idea what would cause it to break?

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Can't see the pic's what your angle like on the joint?

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

If you are breaking u joints it is likely due to binding.

 

[pauly383]

Your profile doesn't list anything like type of lift etc. I did a shackle flip and the u-joint on front of rear shaft had a real severe angle. Some members with blocks , or springs have problems, while others don't . Some people lower their transfercase, others (like me) run a CV shaft. Could you feel any kind of vibration at all at different speeds, sometimes tires/radio/open windows mask it. /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gif

 

[jester]

I have 4'' lift, blocks in back leaf springs in front. I have 33'' tires. I listen to my radio alot and my tires are pretty loud so it is possible that there have been vibrations I have missed. I don't know what angle my drive shaft is at. Thanx for any help!

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

From the looks of it that u joint most likely failed from lack of lubrication.

Greasable u joints must be fully greased after they are installed. This means driveshaft installed on the vehicle.

 

[joshua632]

I had that problem when I broke the adapter between the tranny and transfercase, fixed that and fixed the u-joint problem