drive shaft u-joints

Question for u folks that have replaced the u joints before. Are the U joints suppose to be a little snug or free play after you first install them to the shaft. How do you get them to loosen up a little? will it damage them If you install them a little snug or little tight? any passed experience on that? here is a picture of what i'm talking about.

 

according to the picture you posted, your u-joint has a wee bit more free play than most

 

I replaced all three myself using a vice and a bf hammer. they will be very tight then they will loosen up, just install the shaft and don't worry

 

Nice

 

did the same as topcathr and one was pretty tight, the other two were moderately tight. I pulled the caps off and put grease on my finger and smeared it, and then greased them after install

 

After you get the U joints together hit the yokes with a hammer and they will loosen up. It will settle the caps in the yokes.

 

They should be nice and snug to tight ( still able to move them smoothly by hand ).

 

I just replaced a couple of mine. The joints were snug for sure which is fine. I need to redo or replace my front one again with another new one. Not sure if I got a bad joint or just screwed it up putting it in. It's a little loose when I grab it under the truck. I can feel some vibes from it in the floorboard still.

 

Okay thanks guys I feel much better about it after hearing a few opinions on how they should be
a little stiff during install.

 

I replaced all mine last year and some were fairly "free" and one or two were pretty tight. They felt smooth, though, and so it seemed ok. What I think is a snug fit is not close to what the drive shaft thinks is snug.

 

As long as they are smooth, and you don't feel any rough or gritty feeling then they should be good to go. A 2 jaw puller and a cut off wheel makes removal a snap. A 6" C-clamp to reinstall.

 

Ok, thanks guys. I hammered them out but using a vice to install. They're a little stiff but feel smooth, I'm gonna go with that..........I love this place lots of knowledgeable folks willing to help out.