Spicer U-Joint part # Question

[davec]

I need to relace the axle shaft u-joints on my 1990 XJ 4.0. I got some cheaper aftermarket u-joints and one of the the two would not fit. The bearing caps fit fine but the cross part was like 1/16" too long. I want to replace them with the OEM Spicer u-joints to avoid any future fitment problems from using cheap parts. I think the part # 5-260x but I'm not sure if it's the 5-760x. I am under the impression that the 260x were used on earlier model dana 35 and 44 and now the 760x is used on all dana 30 and 44 axles now. Can anybody recommend what u-joint I buy? The bearing cap is 1 1/16" wide if that makes any difference. Thanks.

[beakie]

I ran into a fitment problem when changing my u-joints a few weeks ago. my pass side was the bigger 760 size and my driver side was a 260.
I bought 2 of the 760's got home, realized they were to big for my needs, brought them back, got the smaller ones, fit it in the pass side, moved to the driver side and saw this 260 was too small... had to go back and grab a 760 I had just brought back.
Not sure if this is how its supposed to be (97 XJ) but thats how it is on mine. It had occured to me that someone may have switched one of my axles for an older one before I bought it.

I think you could search this subject and find some answers, I believe the 260 are the older weaker joints, where the 760's are newer and stronger, bigger too.

[SteelblueSteve]

Try Quadratec's site. They have spicer U-joints for stock axles.

[langer1]

If the big ones don't fit, you must have the smaller ones.
If you go with spicer you still need the correct size.

[SteelblueSteve]

I need to relace the axle shaft u-joints on my 1990 XJ 4.0. I got some cheaper aftermarket u-joints and one of the the two would not fit. The bearing caps fit fine but the cross part was like 1/16" too long. I want to replace them with the OEM Spicer u-joints to avoid any future fitment problems from using cheap parts. I think the part # 5-260x but I'm not sure if it's the 5-760x. I am under the impression that the 260x were used on earlier model dana 35 and 44 and now the 760x is used on all dana 30 and 44 axles now. Can anybody recommend what u-joint I buy? The bearing cap is 1 1/16" wide if that makes any difference. Thanks.
According to quadratec's site the 760 joint has 1.18 dia. caps, the 260 joint has 1.06 dia. caps. If you measure the length end to end across the caps I'm sure they can get you what you need.

[87manche]

do yourself a favor also, when you buy the u-joints, rent the balljoint tool. It's the easiest way to get the old ones out.

[ECKSJAY]

do yourself a favor also, when you buy the u-joints, rent the balljoint tool. It's the easiest way to get the old ones out.

Meh, I found a hammer and two blocks of wood to be much cheaper and easier to set up. :D

[davec]

According to quadratec's site the 760 joint has 1.18 dia. caps, the 260 joint has 1.06 dia. caps. If you measure the length end to end across the caps I'm sure they can get you what you need.

My caps are 1 1/16" so that is the same as 1.06" so then I must have a 260. I used a cinder block, my doorstep, and a hammer to remove the joint's already. Piece of cake.

[KarlVP]

do yourself a favor also, when you buy the u-joints, rent the balljoint tool. It's the easiest way to get the old ones out.


Yeah it is easier to get them out, but if you go crazy on them, you press the ears together and have a hell of a time fixing stuff. Re-installing? Exploding caps happen a lot with the tool.

A hammer and some sockets works way better.

[87manche]

Well, I had a helluve time getting them out with a hammer.
Balljoint tool took me about 5 minutes.