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We ordered new driveshaft universal joints from Lakewood Industries to replace our stock units. The Lakewood U-joints are made of high-strength alloy and have heat-treated needle bearings made of high-carbon steel. Lakewood performance U-joints are not cross-drilled, which helps them withstand the rigors of harsh street/strip conditions. Lakewood U-joints are available for most OEM uses as well as custom driveline installations.

Begin the U-joint swap by removing the driveshaft from the vehicle. Be sure to support the car with a sturdy set of jackstand--don’t just rely on a floor jack to hold the car’s weight.

Use an old piece of pipe or a large-diameter socket as a low-buck U-joint removal tool. Place it under one end of the driveshaft. It will support the yolk assembly but allow the U-joint cap to be pushed out.

Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, remove the snap rings that hold the U-joint caps in place. Then use a punch (or even a socket extension) and a hammer to drive the U-joint downward. As the U-joint moves, it will push the U-joint cap out of the yolk assembly and into the pipe/socket support. Rotate the driveshaft 180 degrees and remove the other U-joint cap in the same way. With both caps removed, angle the U-joint slightly and remove it from the driveshaft.

Once the U-joint is removed, carefully inspect the driveshaft end for cracks and/or damage. Use a small metal pick or a thin screwdriver to remove any gunk buildup in the snap-ring groove.

Carefully remove the U-joint caps, making sure you don’t knock any of the small needle bearings out of position. Then angle the new U-joint and slip it into the driveshaft yolk. Install one of the U-joint caps and slowly tap it into position with a hammer. Only tap the cap far enough to clear the snap-ring retainer groove.

Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to install the new snap-ring retainer clip. Rotate the driveshaft 180 degrees and tap the other U-joint cap into position (as shown earlier). Now install the other snap-ring retainer.

To remove the front U-joints from the transmission yolk, begin by supporting the driveshaft with a brace. (We used a scrap piece of iron.) Remove the snap-ring retainer clips from the driveshaft and yolk. Hold the end of the snout and tap on the yolk with a hammer. As you tap, the U-joint cap will push itself out. Rotate the driveshaft 180 degrees and do the same for the other side.

With the two U-joint caps pushed up, angle the yolk slightly and remove it from the U-joint. (The U-joint will remain in the driveshaft.) Then remove the other two snap-ring retainer clips and use a hammer to tap out the remaining U-joint caps (as shown with the other end of the driveshaft).

Install the new Lakewood U-joint into the driveshaft (as shown with the other end of the driveshaft). Secure the U-joint in position with the supplied snap-ring retainer clips, then angle the yolk and slip it onto the new Lakewood U-joint.

Position the new U-joint end caps in the yolk and carefully tap the cap downward until it clears the snap-ring retainer groove. Install the new snap-ring retainer clips and you’re done. Move the yolk and new U-joints to make sure that everything actuates smoothly and nothing binds.