Spicer U-Joint Question

I'll soon be installing a new set of 3 U-joints (

$34 Spicer 5-1330-1X U-Joint Kit

Spicer 5-1330-1X) and carrier bearing (Spicer 5002007) on my taco drive shaft. I received my parts today, and I seem to be missing at least one copper snap ring for a U-Joint. I don't quite get the instructions, they seem to say that usually, the copper colour snap rings are used in the 4 ends of a U-Joint, but I only have 3 of each colour (copper, grey and yellow), plus a different kind of open snap ring. Also, seems like I only have two copper snap rings in the unopened hardware bags. I would appreciate any help on this and which colour snap rings are usually used on our trucks.

 

They are different thicknesses. Use the one that matches what is removed. It should keep the caps tight.

 

U-joints contain precision bearings & are best assembled to a tolerance of +/- 2 thousandths of an inch.

For your best shot at doing the removal of old / installation of new U-joint bearings you may want to invest a couple of hours learning the correct methods which will avoid common forms of damage such as bending the driveshaft yoke ears, installing U-joint bearings with too little (or too much) end play, etc. Here's another post I made w/ links to the videos.

U Joint Install Issues?

 

The open "C" looking snap ring goes on the spider end with the grease fitting. The ones that look like a "G" go in the spider ends (3 of them) without the grease fitting.

I used Moog 270 U-joints when I rebuilt my driveshaft 4K miles ago, so I cannot talk to the different thicknesses of the snap rings. The snap rings are all the same thickness with the Moog 270 U-joints.

 

Thanks GilbertOz, I did go through that post, good vid with lots of interesting info. Much better than some of the other vids where people are pounding with a sledge hammer on their U-joint!

Thanks! I didn't see that in any vids, and the instructions don't show that "C" looking snap ring. RockAuto sent me a replacement in record time including the missing ring. Looking to do the work this weekend. I also have a press which could come in handy.

 

I like the tom woods videos - makes it look so damn easy. I’m definitely guilty of the hammer harder method with some of these haha.

https://4xshaft.com/blogs/general-t...J1_qvtal-HEw6zNzIpJIAWL32JWX45pccwL-tNPdwxTIa

 

Aye, you may not have a dial indicator etc. to do a perfect job but at least you have an idea of what to look out for and how to avoid the worst errors.