Trouble with Drive Shaft U Joints?

Parky · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 12:44 pm

I was having the dealer look at my Lifted KJ because of a constant vibration when under acceleration. They told me it was a bad U Joint in the drive shaft because I had lifted it. Any one else have any problems with the U Joints because of a lift.

I think they are full of crap, because the vibration is constant and does not vary with RPM's or speed.

Any suggestions?

Spike6901 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:53 pm

lifted for 25k and no problems

I see you have Yoko Geolanders, I am willing to bet that you problem is there. I have had two sets and once they got worn, they vibrated even when balanced. I will not get them again for that reason. Swap out wheels with a buddy to check.

Jeger · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:09 pm

U joints are cheap and its good to have a spare anyhow. Sooo change it then take it back (still with a vibration of course) and tell them it is their turn again.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:16 pm

Ive not heard any bad things about the Yoko tires.. But it could be those I guess.

How many miles do you have on it? How many on the tires?

Jeger · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:18 pm

If it doesnt vary with rpm or speed it is most likely not a rotating item, something is loose or worn out.

Jeepin Al · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:38 pm

Yep sounds like the tires too, although un-greasable U joints do tend to give up the ghost early. The MTR's do the same thing, I think the belts break, and no matter how you balance them, they still vibrate.

Al

Jeger · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:44 pm

Wouldnt bad tires or u joints both change in either intensity or frequency with varying RPM's?

Parky · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:48 pm

The tires have 3,000 miles on them. I had them rotated/balanced before I took it in. Had the same vibration.

Do you guys know of a greaseable replacement u-joint. It makes me nervous that I can't grease the stock ones.

Spike6901 · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:29 pm

Spicer.

jason thompson · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:17 pm

Parky wrote:

I was having the dealer look at my Lifted KJ because of a constant vibration when under acceleration. They told me it was a bad U Joint in the drive shaft because I had lifted it. Any one else have any problems with the U Joints because of a lift.

I think they are full of crap, because the vibration is constant and does not vary with RPM's or speed.

Any suggestions?

if you dont have a "calm spot" by that I mean a speed that it does not vibrate then it is not driveline even a slightly bad U-joint will still get quiet at some point or rpm I had a rear pinion that was way out of wack and I could drive it just realy bad vibes between 15 and 40 mph adjust the pinion and no vibes
I have heard of tires that will never balance correctly I had a $180 goodyear on my work truck that never balanced good put a new one on and presto it rides great
I would try to swap tires with some one who has no vibes first

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:29 pm

I had to replace mine at 51000 miles due to being worn out! Bad vibration most of the time. Pulled into my garage and could not even touch the rear joint it was so hot.

psinsyd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:36 pm

Yep, I've got the same deal, and was just going to post about this earlier. I've got vibes, although they've gotten much better now that the lift has settled, they are still slightly there. Mine are most evident right around 60mph.

Anyone got the part number for the Spicer u-joints?

Hope this helps!

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:42 pm

You may get some vibes from the lift but if the u joints go there is a real vibe thing going on then, esp. about 25 to 45 or that was were mine was at. A lot of people think that they will last forever but when I took mine out they were toasted, rear one was almost dust. I think it had started before the lift then after finished it off.

raceinfan · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:43 pm

I don't mean to sound like an idiot but what is a spicer u-joint ??? never heard of it I do know of greasable & non greasable but is this something differant

psinsyd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:57 pm

raceinfan wrote:

I don't mean to sound like an idiot but what is a spicer u-joint ??? never heard of it I do know of greasable & non greasable but is this something differant

Don't worry, you don't at all. Spicer is just a brand of U-joints. Greasable have a zirc (grease) fitting on them so you can regularly well, grease them! The non-greasable ones don't have the fitting on them.

Sharon · **Posted:** Wed Dec 13, 2006 8:20 pm

The dealer replaced my front drive shaft and u-joint due to a vibration while it was in all-wheel drive at about 55mph. He said that the drive shaft was out of blance from the factory and replaced the dirve shaft and the u-joint under warrenty.My CRD is lifted 2" and i have Goodyear 245 75 R16 MT/R on it. He told me that jeep wants people to lift them and use then off road that what you do with jeeps he said and it was covered under warenty. He said they very rarely do not cover and item unless you leave it full of mud after off roading and blow and engine due to the radiator full of mud and not cooling the engine. Oh by the way a jeep dealer installed my lift so it would still keep all my warenty. The Goodyear MT/R s do give the liberty a little rock and roll ride at slower speeds but i like the ride.

Trouble with Drive Shaft U Joints?

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