Front u joint removal trouble

1967 cj 5. While disconnecting the front drive shaft to be able to replace the front piñon gear seal, I figured I would remove the u joint and replace it as well. I removed the 2 inner snap rings but can't figure out how to get the journal out. They almost look to be pressed into the yoke. Ideas? Thx

 

I assume you're talking about the yoke on the driveline? They are pressed in. You'll need to find a press, or bang em out with a hammer...

 

A couple of appropriately sized sockets and a good sized hammer will do the trick to get them out if you don't have a press. I suggest impact sockets instead of possibly banging up nicer ones.

I use one that is big enough to support the ear on the yoke and receive the u joint cap. Place it on the workbench and support the other end of the shaft with a block of wood. Get a second socket that is just a bit smaller than the u joint cap and will fit inside the ears on the yoke. Use the smaller socket to drive the u joint out of the shaft.

The opposite cap will fall into the larger socket. Sometimes it won't come all the way out and you have to grab it with a channel lock or something. The cross should now fall out and you can tap the other cap out.

I like to use the bench vise, as a press, rather than pound them out if possible but, I've had some that were so tight, my only option was the socket and BFH method. I always get the new caps started in the vise, pushing them in until the are flush with the ears on the shaft. Then, I'll use a shallow socket to push them the rest of the way with the vise or tap them the rest of the way with the hammer. A third hand would be nice sometimes, when doing this job.

Check that the joint moves smoothly when you are done. Sometimes they get tight if one of the caps is pressed on too far. Just knocked the caps back and forth until it frees up.

 

The socket method works. But Inertia Magic is quicker, to get it started.

Hold the assembly in one hand. With the other, smack the yoke a swift hammer blow just behind/outside of the bearing cap. The reaction will start the cap up out of the bore. Repeat on the opposite side.

 

Is the socket size 1 3/16"? I tried removing mine with a twelve point socket and had some rounding of the nut. I stopped until I could get a 6 point but I want to make sure I get the correct size. I also didn't know there was a cotter pin in there. Woops.

 

I use an old disc brake caliper piston underneath the yoke and a socket on the cap.