universal joint problems '85 chevy

fishjacobear · 06-02-2008, 08:49 PM

I have a 1985 chevy stepside that I lifted 6 inches. Since I lifted it I am going throught the rear universal joint about once every month or two. I dropped the tranny and it has axle shims. The angle between the driveshaft and the rear end dosn't seem bad. I think that when i take off the axle twists and puts a lot of stress on the u-joint. Somebody told me that traction bars could solve my problem. Does anyone have a similar problem or know what I can do?

436'd skylark · 06-02-2008, 09:02 PM

what type of lift is it?

fishjacobear · 06-02-2008, 09:07 PM

6 inch rough country lift leaf springs all the way around

junior3382 · 06-02-2008, 10:31 PM

Did you install the lift or have it done? When those trucks are lifted in the rear, sometimes the angles are off a little. And even a little can make a world of difference. also, keep in mind that since it has been changed from stock, nothing is going to run perfect. All the angles of the drivelone parts are not running like they were meant too, so warn parts are a common side effect. There are stronger, more "Off-road" friendly U-joints out there too. Parts that are designed to take a little more stress. However, I would not expect to never have this problem again. Personally, I would be happy it is just those, relatively speaking, u-joints are very inexpensive and easy to replace then the larger components.

75K30 · 06-02-2008, 11:52 PM

U joints can be pretty interesting to deal with, and if you are tearing them up, you have to address the problem, or you may find yourself stranded in the event of a failure.
Is your lift an "all spring" lift, or does it utilize any blocks in the back? The use of blocks will promote axle wrap and contribute to your u-joint problems.
While traction bars will eliminate the axle movement, they do so with a slight compromise in ride quality, and suspension flex.
A little troubleshooting can go a long way.
If the rear springs were replaced, and the alignment pin is centered, did you happen to notice if the springs are actually installed the right direction? Leafs are often offset to provide a greater amount of resistance againts axle wrap.
Other problems could be worn shocks, or even a shock that is the wrong length.
You could also have a problem with shackle bushings, or a worn slip joint. If the splines are worn, or if the splines are too tight from lack of grease, it will also destroy u-joints.
Last, but not least, try to buy the best quality joint u can get. I am not too crazy about less expensive low cost joints.
Good luck.

fishjacobear · 06-03-2008, 05:20 AM

I installed the lift myself and I checked that the springs are in the right way. I don't have any lift blocks in the back and all the shocks and bushings are brand new. I will check to see if there is an off road version of the u-joint, but the one I have been buying is $35 and I have to special order them.

Case 7230 · 06-03-2008, 05:36 AM

I`m with 75K30 you have a slip joint problem.

bigblazer_1 · 06-05-2008, 09:48 PM

could be a bad angle i have an 87 blazer with a 4 inch lift that went through ujoints about every other month. i went to a tom woods ddriveshaft with a cv joint in it and never had another problem. i have been runnin it for three years now

06-02-2008, 08:49 PM	#1
fishjacobear Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New York Posts: 8	universal joint problems '85 chevy I have a 1985 chevy stepside that I lifted 6 inches. Since I lifted it I am going throught the rear universal joint about once every month or two. I dropped the tranny and it has axle shims. The angle between the driveshaft and the rear end dosn't seem bad. I think that when i take off the axle twists and puts a lot of stress on the u-joint. Somebody told me that traction bars could solve my problem. Does anyone have a similar problem or know what I can do?

06-02-2008, 09:02 PM	#2
436'd skylark Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Buffalo Ny Posts: 620	what type of lift is it? __________________ Joe 89 K2500 Chevy, Wee-Oh-five 285K miles, completly rebuilt needs a motor, bad 1962 IHC Scout All Wheel Drive (Scout speak for locking axles) 152 ci, dana everything else

06-02-2008, 10:31 PM	#4
junior3382 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently, I live in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Posts: 3,040	Did you install the lift or have it done? When those trucks are lifted in the rear, sometimes the angles are off a little. And even a little can make a world of difference. also, keep in mind that since it has been changed from stock, nothing is going to run perfect. All the angles of the drivelone parts are not running like they were meant too, so warn parts are a common side effect. There are stronger, more "Off-road" friendly U-joints out there too. Parts that are designed to take a little more stress. However, I would not expect to never have this problem again. Personally, I would be happy it is just those, relatively speaking, u-joints are very inexpensive and easy to replace then the larger components. __________________ *Parts have been found, tools are collecting, tensions are rising, the weather is changing...look out.... the SAS is comming!*

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06-02-2008, 09:07 PM	#3
fishjacobear Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New York Posts: 8	6 inch rough country lift leaf springs all the way around

06-02-2008, 11:52 PM	#5
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,630	U joints can be pretty interesting to deal with, and if you are tearing them up, you have to address the problem, or you may find yourself stranded in the event of a failure. Is your lift an "all spring" lift, or does it utilize any blocks in the back? The use of blocks will promote axle wrap and contribute to your u-joint problems. While traction bars will eliminate the axle movement, they do so with a slight compromise in ride quality, and suspension flex. A little troubleshooting can go a long way. If the rear springs were replaced, and the alignment pin is centered, did you happen to notice if the springs are actually installed the right direction? Leafs are often offset to provide a greater amount of resistance againts axle wrap. Other problems could be worn shocks, or even a shock that is the wrong length. You could also have a problem with shackle bushings, or a worn slip joint. If the splines are worn, or if the splines are too tight from lack of grease, it will also destroy u-joints. Last, but not least, try to buy the best quality joint u can get. I am not too crazy about less expensive low cost joints. Good luck.

06-03-2008, 05:20 AM	#6
fishjacobear Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New York Posts: 8	I installed the lift myself and I checked that the springs are in the right way. I don't have any lift blocks in the back and all the shocks and bushings are brand new. I will check to see if there is an off road version of the u-joint, but the one I have been buying is $35 and I have to special order them.

06-03-2008, 05:36 AM	#7
Case 7230 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 253	I`m with 75K30 you have a slip joint problem.

06-05-2008, 09:48 PM	#8
bigblazer_1 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: ogden ut Posts: 2	could be a bad angle i have an 87 blazer with a 4 inch lift that went through ujoints about every other month. i went to a tom woods ddriveshaft with a cv joint in it and never had another problem. i have been runnin it for three years now