1980 Front Drive Shaft

[roadrocket59]

Can anyone tell me, or post a diagram, how to install the kit in the double cardan centering ball. I have the kit but am not the one who took it apart. The dealer didn't have a diagram nor could I find one on the net. John.

[Russell]

What exactly is a double cardan centering ball?

Are you talking about the CV joint?

[roadrocket59]

Yes the CV joint, also known as a double cardan joint. John.

[Russell]

Would pics of my front driveshaft help? I've got an SM465, NP205 combo in my 3/4 ton, and the driveshaft happens to be out at the moment.

If so, I can snag a few tommorow

PS -- Learn something new every day, had no idea a CV was called a double cardan

[roadrocket59]

The kit that I am refering to consists of two heavy coil springs, a new centering ball, three wedge shaped pieces that form the socket for the ball, two washers, and a new seal. All of this, except for one of the two springs, due to different length springs "?", is meant to fit into the center of the CV joint. I am trying to find instructions on how to install this kit. Pictures of an assembled drive shaft CV joint probably wouldn't help, thanks anyway Russell. John.

[Bowed]

If you can find somebody with the old chiltons truck manual the pictures and instructions are in there .

[Bowed]

Also look on the Colorado K5 forum , I bet there is info there .

[wedgemon]

Here ya go:




4-WHEEL DRIVE MODELS ONLY
Using a punch, mark the link yoke and the adjoining yokes before disassembly to ensure proper reassembly and driveshaft balance.
NOTE: It is easier to remove the universal joint bearings from the flange yoke first. The first pair of flange yoke universal joint bearings to be removed is the pair in the link yoke.


With the driveshaft in a horizontal position, solidly support the link yoke (a 1 7⁄8 in. pipe will do).
Apply force to the bearing cup on the opposite side with a 1 1⁄8 in. pipe or a socket the size of the bearing cup. Use a vise or press to apply force. Force the cup inward as far as possible.
NOTE: In the absence of a press, a heavy vise may be used, but make sure that the universal to be removed is at a right angle to the jaws of the vise. Do not cock the bearing cups in their bores.


Remove the pieces of pipe and complete the removal of the protruding bearing cup by tapping around the circumference of the exposed portion of the bearing with a small hammer.
Reverse the position of the pieces of pipe and apply force to the exposed journal end. This will force the other bearing cup out of its bore and allow removal of the flange.
NOTE: There is a ball joint located between the two universals. The ball portion of this joint is on the inner end of the flange yoke. The ball, as well as the ball seat parts, are replaceable. Care must be taken not to damage the ball. The ball portion of this joint is on the driveshaft. To remove the seat, pry the seal out with a screwdriver.


To remove the journal from the flange, use steps two through five.
Remove the universal joint bearings from the driveshaft using the steps from two through five. The first pair of bearing caps that should be removed is the pair in the link yoke.
Examine the ball stud seat and ball stud for scores or wear. Worn seats can be replaced with a kit. A worn ball, however, requires the replacement of the entire shaft yoke and flange assembly. Clean the ball seat cavity and fill it with grease. Install the spring, washer, ball seats, and spacer, if removed.
Install the universal joints opposite the order in which they were disassembled.
Install a bearing 1⁄4 of the way into one side of the yoke.
Insert the journal into the yoke so that an arm of the journal seats into the bearing.
Press the bearing in the remaining distance and install its snapring.
Install the opposite bearing. Do not allow the bearing rollers to jam. Continually check for free movement of the journal in the bearings as they are pressed into the yoke.
Install the rest of the bearings in the same manner.
NOTE: The flange yoke should snap over center to the right or left and up or down by the pressure of the ball seat spring.

Hope this help you.

- Dave

[roadrocket59]

Thanks for the help guys. I put it all together today, not that hard at all. John.