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Drive Shaft U-Joints Gone South


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OK, got the new(er) tranny for the 94 Legacy Alpine Wagon from Mountaingoatgruff (thanks man) and it is installed. The old tranny shaft was very loose, which explains why I lost fourth gear. Now I find that the U-Joint of the rear drive shaft is very stiff, and hardly moves at all. The dealer tells me that the U-Joint is not replaceable, and I would have to buy a whole new shaft for $642.00. Has anyone found a work around, or am I bone-yard bound?

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I dont know if Young's Gear is nationwide, but they are the big driveshaft rebuilting place here in Alaska. They replaced the joints in my driveline for 45 bucks a joint (thats parts and labor) and its a greaseable u-joint.

 

A lot more reliable than buying a used one that have joints that may go out in 500 miles.

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Went to a couple of J-Yards. All the Legacies were automatic. There are a few more but I won't have time to hit them for a few weeks, so I'm gonna put the old one back in. The joints are not loose, just tight. I sprayed some penetrating oil on them and that seemed to loosen them up a bit. I'll start hunting around for either a used one, or try and find a place that will replace them for cheap.

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you'll need to double check this, but i think the rear shaft sections, the part that attaches to the rear diff, not the part that attaches to the trans, i think they are all the same for similar models. any difference between manual and auto is in the front section with the carrier bearing.

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Would you run into balance problem when just replace front half of drive shaft?:confused:

 

 

 

you'll need to double check this, but i think the rear shaft sections, the part that attaches to the rear diff, not the part that attaches to the trans, i think they are all the same for similar models. any difference between manual and auto is in the front section with the carrier bearing.
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Would you run into balance problem when just replace front half of drive shaft?:confused:

 

Possibly, in theory it should all be balanced as a unit, but people swap the rear sections often with no issues. It's one of those try it and see if it works things.

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i have swapped out driveshafts and mixed and matched stuff all day long - there's no issue. the rear shaft is balanced independently.

 

JCE is right - if you just need the rear half of the shaft that bolts to the rear differential - THEY ARE ALL THE SAME, go back and get one! any auto or manual will work for you. only the front section is different.

 

spraying the penetrating oil might be counterproductive, but hopefully you're okay. spraying fluid in something that needs grease works for a short time usually but causes damage over the long run as it can wash any remaining grease out.

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