Truck Repair: 97 1500 Z71 Chevy U-Joints, chevy 1500, drive shaft

Question
Hi Van, I have a 97 chevy 1500 Z71. I would like to replace the drive shaft u-joints since they have been in there for 135k miles. I would like to know the best way of removing the old joints. I have hear that they need to be cut out with a torch and that nothing else works? What's this cowboy to do?

Thanks a bunch

Answer
If it still has the orriginal u joints with the injected plastic retaining them, a vise, and a couple sockets strategically placed will allow you to force them out, breaking the plastic.
One socket big enough to allow the complete cap to go into it, while sitting against the yoke. The other socket just ever so slightly smaller than the cap, to push from the other side.

I actually cradle the one side in a vise, and smack the yoke near the cap, using just one socket, but if you aren't careful, you can bend the yoke.

I have heard of the torch to melt the plastic out, but never tried it.

I have only done a couple hundred, but may try the torch some day.

Van