Rear U-joint

My rear U-joint just started knocking, on my 2003 Rubicon, when I tap the throttle. Should I replace it w/ a standard u-joint on is there a certain HD one that you all can suggest? Thanks!

i would just go get a new ujoint best they have where you go to and just make sure it is one that is greasable so you can purge the water out of it.

Only use the greasable one if you are truly going to climb under there after each ride and lubricate everything. I use the ones without grease fittings because I know I'm not that good about climbing under there and greasing it after every trip. I've only gone through about 2 in 2 years. To answer your question I don't think there is much difference in the standard and HD joints as far as strength. It is the U joint you want to fail if anything does. THe standard joints work just fine.

You have to option of being lazy or if your willing and service your rig regularly you can get a U-joint with the zerk fitting. Please what ever you do please pick up some extra u joint straps or bolts and a extra U-joint just in case you break one one the trail. It might be a good time to pick up some backups for the front drive shaft and the front axles. just my 2 cents.

makitupthehardway wrote:

Please what ever you do please pick up some extra u joint straps or bolts and a extra U-joint just in case you break one one the trail. It might be a good time to pick up some backups for the front drive shaft and the front axles. just my 2 cents.

X 2. That's the best advice you could get. Ask me how I know. Or ask Nester, Rich, Eric, Tico, Von, Lynn, or anybody else who was there that day. I now carry a stack of u-joints with me when I wheel.

Picked a stack up today. Thanks for the all the advise!

I remember that day at Rausch, impressive to say the least. I don't like the ones with the "zerk" type fitting in the body because it creates a potentially weaker spot in the joint to fail. Tom Wood's U-joints have needle fittings on the caps to service. Its a nice design, best of both worlds.