Failed "U" Joint

[bchauvette]

The M944 lost a “U” joint on the way to the Georgia meet and greet.
First and foremost thanks Andy D w/Acorns., Ken, Andy C. and Carrie-Ann (Dorothy).
Once again it was proven that MV’s are just a catalyst to be close caring friends.
Bless all of you.


The smoke was so bad I thought I had a tire fire!!!! Never had a smoking failed “U” joint.
We took out the drive shaft and drove the 50 plus miles home on front wheel drive.

Have 2 interesting Vietnam stories around this.


The $50,000.00 question:

The performance on the way home was absolutely awesome!!!! Hills where it would
lose speed gained, tried to keep it a 50 mph but every time I looked at the speedo it was
doing 60. The sweet spot before was less than 55. Throttle settings for a particular speed was
less. Ran cooler. That wonderful Cummins “marbles in a can” resonance was more pronounced.


Why? I don’t has a clue.

 

[zout]

Read something on the Greet thread about Andy doing a recovery - glad you posted this up of the event - glad all went well and Andy being available to assist.

Butch - its easier to pull a chain than push one - but I doubt that thinking has anything to do with the power - but it made me think of that thought. Was there any change in fuel mileage to go with the power.

 

[doghead]

Less drive line load/bind/drag.

 

[bchauvette]

Read something on the Greet thread about Andy doing a recovery - glad you posted this up of the event - glad all went well and Andy being available to assist.

Butch - its easier to pull a chain than push one - but I doubt that thinking has anything to do with the power - but it made me think of that thought. Was there any change in fuel mileage to go with the power.

Didn't note the mileage. But guessing it improved. Everything that was turning before drive shaft removal is turning after. The only difference is that the two rear diffs are powering the truck and the , exactly the same plus steering knuckles, are after. Could an additional Diff suck that much power when driving? Could I have something wrong with a diff that is sucking power only while that diff is driving? but not coasting?

B.T.W. All turned out well because I got my hugs before leaving.

Going to post a "Butch repairs a M939 "U" joint docu-drama.

 

[andy3]

Glad I could pull off an assist and help a friend. The 5 acorns were trying to sprout out every window of the MV roadside assistance vehicle. (I think I have 4 assists with my service truck now, going to lobby for an XM designation soon)

Butch, after you repair the u-joint you could hook up the middle axle and disconnect the rear to see how performance is. Hope this is an inexpensive repair. I seem to remember you have serviced the differentials lately, is that correct?

 

[73m819]

The rears in our trucks being connected live WITHOUT a power divider work against each other, in turn causing a power drain, mpg drain. just for grins, pull #2 axles, drive for a while, you will see what I mean, but BE CAREFULL, you can get stuck on a wet speed bump (it has been done before)

 

[andy3]

Ron, Thank you for the confirmation of my hunch. I have to admit, I laughed out loud for the speed bump remark. What a way to get your man card revoked in front of God and everyone.

 

[73m819]

Ron, Thank you for the confirmation of my hunch. I have to admit, I laughed out loud for the speed bump remark. What a way to get your man card revoked in front of God and everyone.

The speed bump issue took place with a WELL RESEPCED moderator involved, but his name will stay a SS archived secret.

 

[Coffey1]

I would have thought gimp was involved. Lol

 

[gimpyrobb]

I resemble that!

 

[73m819]

I would have thought gimp was involved. Lol

Na, the GIMP only lays a truck on its side, so others can practice field recovery methods.

 

[bchauvette]

Guess what not all the "U" joints are the same!!!!!! The joints from the transfer case to the middle axle is larger. In my case with the long chassis there are 4 of them. Natually before that came to light I ordered two kits. Looks like Andy D's prayers are working. I appears by accident or is that Providence I ordered the right ones. Prices range from so cheap I wouldn't buy to O.M.G. Ordered two SKF kits fro fleabay new $26.00 plus S/H

The assembly has been taken apart, it was a bear. got picks.

 

[bchauvette]

Looks like I won't be able to fix the M944. I re-purposed the "U" joint repair kit.

 

[gimpyrobb]

What went wrong that you can't fix?

 

[bchauvette]

If you notice the picture. I turned the repair kit into a candle holder Ha Ha Ha... no?

Hey I'm an old man humor me.

 

[Andyrv6av8r]

If you notice the picture. I turned the repair kit into a candle holder Ha Ha Ha... no?

Hey I'm an old man humor me.

I showed it to Carrie and asked if she wanted one. She said " As long as you made it for me, I would love it ". I was surprised.

 

[bchauvette]

Anybody ever warm up the yoke before pressing the cups in? Not talking red hot just warm like with a propane touch. Can you think of any reason why not as long as you don't get it so hot you ruin the seals or cook the grease.