yes this is what you think it is, last night enjoying a great drive out on long beach island i heard a clicking noise that stopped so i figured it was the loose center cap. well i was way wrong. while getting out of the way of exiting traffic i nailed the throttle and well lets just say we went rite into limp mode. Here's my 2 part question. #1 i can only seem to find one type of u-joints are all 6 on the car (1981 auto trans) the same or do i need to make sure i get axle u-joints? #2 looking at the shaft in the pick do i have to replace that also? Adams' Apple2011-06-20 20:03:43

Bobby, I'm not sure if they are all the same joints but would suspect they are.

Unless you twisted something the shaft looks to be ok. Knock that cap out and see what you have. I'm sure your plan is to replace all the joints. Take your time and you'll be fine.

I'm sure some expert monkeys will chime in also.

Thanks for joinin up!

eggspurt monkey sez...

Boy..talk aboot dodgin a bullet!!! Those things can completely trash the underside of the car if it comes completely loose. You barely missed a major indecent.! 

I do believe that ALL of the u-joints on the '81 are the same...don't see anything in the pic that would indicate the shaft is damaged, or un-usable.
Adams' Apple2011-06-20 20:05:20

 I agree, when i took the wheel off tonight and seen that, i was greatfull thats all it was. i did find the u-joints online at ecklers and im also going to replace the strut rod bushings i think this happened cause i needed to set the camber for that wheel and felt i had time.

is there anything i need to know about doing this or its all pretty much cut and dry?

Spray everything real good with rust buster a day a two ahead. I'd blast the shafts and repaint them with a good enamel like found in a tractor supply store.

this is a question I have had since I did mine years ago. Do you need to mark each end to make sure the yokes are back exactly how they where removed?

well she is up on the jack stands and the bolts are soaking.   good question Bob R. do i need to mark both ends to make sure they go back exactly the way they were removed???

its a good idea to make sure it goes back together the way it came apart..its a balance issue..get good u joints..non grease style is best no matter what people say..I have replaced many grease style on 2 cars so far..and with the 73 and the 69 the rear 4 are the same and the front shaft are different..the strut rod bushings need a spindle knocker tool to be able to get it apart at the shock mount..the bushings press in easy enough..make sure you put a jack under the spring when you do this or release the spring all together..this could turn into since I am there projects..have fun with it and post any and all questions..search out my post on my 73 I am doing a rear end rebuild on..I posted a good many pics..not to specific though..ask if you need to. yostusota2011-06-21 16:56:59

ebo

great guys, thanks for all the info just want to get it back on the road this weekend...