How to Change a U-Joint on a 1999 Dodge Dakota

The Dodge Dakota was introduced in 1987 as a mid-size truck that was larger than a compact yet smaller than a full-size truck. The 1999 Dodge Dakota was offered with the option of a 3.9 liter V-6, a 5.2 liter V-8 or a 5.9 liter V-8. All three engine options came with the option of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The process for changing the U-joint (universal joint) on any sub-model of the 1999 Dakota is identical.

• 1

  Lift the front or rear of the truck, depending on if you are working on the front U-joint or the rear U-joint. Use a 2-ton or greater capacity jack to lift the truck. Set a jack stand underneath either end of the axle housing, just behind the wheels.

• 2

  Lay beneath the end of the truck you are going to perform the U-joint service on and slide your body so that you are in a position to access the U-joint.

• 3

  Remove the two U-shaped clips that hold the U-joint to the yoke or differential of the truck. There are two clips with two bolts on each clip. Remove the bolts from the clips with a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set. Put a 3-inch extension on the ratchet if you do not have enough room to move the ratchet otherwise.

• 4

  Pry the end of the drive shaft and U-joint away from the differential with a small pry bar. Place the pry bar between the U-joint and differential and push the handle of the pry bar toward the differential. Catch the drive shaft with your free hand so that it does not slam into the ground. Gently set the drive shaft on the ground.

• 5

  Remove the U-joint clips from each end of the U-joint that is still attached to the drive shaft with needlenose pliers. Pinch the center of the U-joint clip inward until the sides collapse. Wiggle the clip out of the U-joint housing.

• 6

  Place a flat-head screwdriver, or the end of the pry bar, on the inside of the U-joint rod bearing cap. The rod bearing caps are the cylindrical caps at each end of the U-joint. They contain rod bearings that spin when the drive shaft is engaged. Gently tap the inside of the rod bearing caps to push them out of the U-joint housing on the drive shaft. Push both rod bearing caps out of the housing completely. Do not hit the U-joint housing on the drive shaft directly because you will damage the U-joint housing and new U-joints may not fit in the housing.

• 7

  Slide the old U-joint completely free of the drive shaft. Remove two rod bearing caps off of the new U-joint directly across from one another and set them with the insertion hole facing directly vertical. Do not turn the new rod bearing caps on their sides or upside down as the rods will fall out or become askew, rendering the rod bearing cap useless.

• 8

  Slide the open ends of new U-joint into the drive shaft housing by inserting one end and then twisting the other end into place. Insert the two rod bearing caps on the outside of the U-joint housing and push them through with your hand. Lightly tap the rod bearing caps onto the u-joint with a hammer if necessary, but use your free hand to push the U-joint into the rod bearing cap. Tapping the cap without the U-joint even somewhat inserted can cause the rod bearings to fall out.

• 9

  Gently hammer both inserted rod bearing caps to ensure that they are as far seated onto the U-joint as possible. Install two new U-joint clips which come with the U-joint using a pair of needlenose pliers. Pinch the center of the clip at the very tip of the pliers until the sides collapse. Set the tip in the dead center of the bearing cap. Guide the new U-joint clip into the drive shaft housing with a flat-head screwdriver.

• 10

  Lift the drive shaft with both hands, pushing the shaft towards the center of the truck. Slide the new U-joint and drive shaft assembly into the cradle on the differential and hold it in place with one hand. Insert the U-shaped clips with your free hand.

• 11

  Tighten the U-shaped clip bolts with a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, using a 3-inch extension if you cannot gain leverage on any bolt. Tighten the bolts between 80 to 90 foot-pounds of torque or until they make a clicking noise. The bolts make this noise when the mounting surface is at full torque.

• 12

  Lower the truck after you have visually inspected your work. Look to see that both U-joint clips are securely mounted into the drive shaft housing and that all four of the U-shaped clip bolts are mounted and in place. Wiggle the drive shaft with your hand to test proper fit.