U joint replacement

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FrankieD61

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My truck is a 91 k1500 with a 5.7, 5 speed (MG5), 4wd.

I need new u joints, but Rockauto have MANY different options. Everything else I can handle. The measurements are what are throwing me off. Are there different size bearing caps? If so, how do I measure them with the shaft(s) still on the truck?

Thanks
 

Nad_Yvalhosert

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You cant. The only way to know what specific joint you need for your truck is to remove the ones you already have and measure them. Then purchase the ones that measure as the same.

Or buy them all and return the ones you dont need.
 

Schurkey

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"I" would not trust Rock Auto for suggesting correct parts.

You should be able to measure the cap diameter with a tape-measure, or a cheap plastic caliper.

Width could be guesstimated with the same tools.

Observe whether the snap-rings are on the inside or the outside of the cap.

And if in doubt, a half-ton (regular cab?) with a factory V6 is likely to have the smallest of the suggested possibilities.
 

Caman96

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You didn’t say, but if truck is a Regular Cab. w/steel driveshaft I’m gonna say this one. I’ve verified on a few different sites.
You must be registered for see images attach

I just edited to this one. Just noticed you swapped a new motor in from a 4.3 to 5.7. You should also say which body style you have. Front or rear driveshaft? It all matters!
 
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FrankieD61

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You didn’t say, but if truck is a Regular Cab. w/steel driveshaft I’m gonna say this one. I’ve verified on a few different sites.

Thank you!

You must be registered for see images attach

I just edited to this one. Just noticed you swapped a new motor in from a 4.3 to 5.7. You should also say which body style you have. Front or rear driveshaft? It all matters!

Yes, it is a regular cab. And good point, I'll add that in to my sig line.
 

sewlow

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Do you know if your truck has the original U-joints?
Yea, I know A long shot, but it could be possible.
If so, there's a trick to getting them out.
OEM U-joints don't have snap rings. They're held in place with a nylon glue of some sort. If there are snap rings in there...ahhh...well...never mind. :shrug:

How-to get those glued ones out is shown in the first 5 minutes of this...

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454cid

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OEM U-joints don't have snap rings.

It depends on which joints he has. 1344/3R/S44 are plastic injected. 1355 and 1415, usually use snap rings. There's also a little one, smaller then the 1344, that may also be plastic, but I don't recall for sure. I think they were for a front shaft on something like the Trailblazer, Though.

If the OP has a DANA shaft, like the weirdo carbon fiber covered thing, I don't know how those were built.

They're held in place with a nylon glue of some sort.

It's a fiberglass re-inforced plastic.... possibly a nylon.
 
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