Dumb question about installing new u-joints

[sandking]

I am installing new u-joints on my front axles. Whats the trick to make sure the needle bearings in the caps stay put? I have not spent much time on them, but I did notice that they might be a pain. Any tricks of the trade? Thanks.

[LONGHAIR]

A finger full of grease is about all you can do to keep the needles in place.
As far as other tricks to putting them together:
Be sure to clean-up the inside of the yoke where the C-clip ifts. They are usually crusty/rusty, this will take up some space and make re-installing the clips harder. A few strokes with a file should do fine.
After you have the axle fully assembled, both halves pressed and all four clips on, smack the axle right behind the cap on the yoke area with a hammer. This "shock" will release any tension from pressing and allow the cap to self-seat. It doesn't take much, but hit each one, you will feel a difference in the "stiffness" of the axle afterward.

[sandking]

I will give that a try, thanks.

[Jtrux]

You mean the needle bearings have to stay in the cap, I usually just take those silly things out.

The grease idea works great.

[msgross]

I cleaned mine up with a wire brush on the drill and a little spraypaint...

Using the vice on them was very easy...

[dammitmitchell]

ohhhhh pretty lookin
until it sees mud
good lookin axel halfs it's those little touches of paint and poly that makes a difference

[msgross]

mud? what's that?

good tips with the grease... I don't remember them being an issue though.