Front end refresh project

[SpareParts]

Takes as much force as it takes. It only needs to move a minute amount to free up the snap ring. Pretty hard to damage the yoke but a few has figured out how to do it.
I would probably use a 3lb hammer and a big punch.

 

[DoubleDingo]

Yeah, you're just trying to free the stuck snap ring pieces. Once one is freed and removed, the other one will almost remove itself.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Yep, you're going to have to use a bit of force to move it. Some heat and a large hammer, or a press.

Many decades ago, I used the large hammer and chisel method, and a piece of the chisel point broke off during a particularly hard hammer swing, and the piece from the chisel point embedded itself into my leg (right through my jeans). Fond memories of wrenching. NOT!!

 

[alvocado]

Progress. I got the first broken ring out and one to go on the other end that is just fighting me. The ring spins in the groove but I just can’t get it out. I’ve been picking at it for 90 minutes and nothing will pop it out. I can’t get any pliers on it either. I did get the hang of tapping the rings free slowly with a punch and the last three came out with pliers in tact.

 

[SpareParts]

Looks like the little tab is broken off and enough of the clip it still there to have expanding tension on it.
Maybe you can hold 1 end in place with vice grips and work something behind the other end like a pointed awl.

 

[alvocado]

You saved the day. Much appreciated!

 

[SpareParts]

Best forum for help, huh!

 

[SpareParts]

Putting them back in can be much more fun if you have never done it!

 

[89Suburban]

Make sure you mark those yokes and shafts so they clock back together the right way.

I always hated doin u joints

 

[Fless]

Clean the ring grooves good so the new snap rings can fully seat.

 

[alvocado]

This forum is like having a car buddy you trust who you can call when you need some help. I appreciate everyone's input.

I did mark everything before removing to reassemble in the same position. The one end I finished went in very easily because I cleaned the inside of the holes with emery paper until it was shiny smooth. Caps slipped right in.

I'll tackle the trans yoke end after dinner as I need a break.

Question for the group: does this snap ring looked seated? The other side slipped into the groove a bit more. On this side I couldn't get the ujoint to drop in any further and the grooves are clean. It almost looks like the ring needs just a bit more clearance to expand but maybe I'm being paranoid.

 

[SpareParts]

That needs to be seated for sure. Take a small punch or something similar and tap the clip till it's seated.
Also if you have already pushed the cap up to the clip you may need to push the cap away a little to get it seated

 

[alvocado]

That's what I suspected. I'll take another shot at it tonight.

 

[donjetman]

Question for the group: does this snap ring looked seated?

NO

 

[alvocado]

It's back together and passed a short test drive. I had to use a punch to adjust 3 of the 6 snap rings and get them fully into the grooves.

I'll get it on the highway for a high speed test tomorrow but it should be good to go. The factory ujoints were still solid with no play but it's good to go for as long as I'll own it.

One learning for anyone tackling this for the first time: I found that using a punch and slowly but firmly driving the center of the snap ring freed up the outside opposite the punch direction. I then switched directions and was able to get 3 of the rings free so they could be pulled with pliers. It was all related to where you drive the ring so you don't break off a tab.

Thanks to all the feedback and help again!

 

[Joseph Garcia]

A true team effort. Just another reason why this forum ROCKS!