help me figure this one out

[Chevy305]

So I have had some problems now since i converted to manual hubs. I always drive around in 2wd and unlocked unless it snows when I lock my hubs but I go to drive on the highway and reguardless if I'm in 2hi or 4hi I can't go much over 55mph because the vibrations are so bad. So I have to unlock to drive down the highway then when i get off i have to lock them again, btw I hate the whole get out of your truck thing it sucks I miss my auto hubs very much.

Anyways i looked underneath to find that the foward ujoint on the front drive shaft is very loose. In taking a closer look and after replacing the ujoint, there is about a 1/4" of play between the nubs on the diff yoke. The ujoint is a brand new autozone unit so wtf?

As well the slip joint on the front drive shaft I can wiggle around a little is that bad?

Also I know the passenger side axel ujoint is bad but i dont think it could creat that much vibes. Also the cv joint is still pretty solid but again has seen better days.

One more question, is there supposed to be some sort of thrust washer or something inside the spindle to help locate the front axel shafts?

 

[bp71k5]

In taking a closer look and after replacing the ujoint, there is about a 1/4" of play between the nubs on the diff yoke. The ujoint is a brand new autozone unit so wtf?

As well the slip joint on the front drive shaft I can wiggle around a little is that bad?

There shouldn't be much play in either of those things. Maybe the bad shaft slip broke your new u-joint?

 

[Chevy305]

There shouldn't be much play in either of those things. Maybe the bad shaft slip broke your new u-joint?

Its the actual yoke on the diff that has the play in it and I just installed this new ujoint in there and the play is still there.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

If the yoke has any in/out or side to side play in it, the pinion bearings are toast and that's your problem.

 

[GNERGY]

Do you mean play when you turn it, or does the yoke have side by side play?
Tarey

 

[Chevy305]

If the yoke has any in/out or side to side play in it, the pinion bearings are toast and that's your problem.

no its the ujoint moving inside the yoke. there is about a 1/4" of play the end nubs that its supposed to be flush against.

 

[GNERGY]

They gave you the wrong U joint.
Tarey

 

[GNERGY]

The U joints on the axle shafts have any play in them. There are bearings inside the spindles to center the outer axle shafts so they run true. A little bit of play in your slip yoke on your front drive shaft is ok. You said the cv joint is tight, that's good. They just gave you the wrong U joint, just take your shaft with you to get the right joint.
Tarey

 

[lectric80]

I had about that much play when I put my last joint into the rear, guess what, about a week and a half later it spit a cap. The little nubs do wear a bit over time, and yours may just be ready to break off. The nubs keep the joint centered in the yoke, and also prevent the caps from popping. Look into getting some u-joint girdles if you want to solve it more permanent like, or pick up a new yoke.