I'm replacing my u-joints in the rear of my '96 SP500. The manual says all you have to do to take the upper yoke away from the transmission, is to remove the bolt in the center and slide it out...well...mine won't come off for Hell or High Water! Neither side!! What am I doing wrong, or is there some trick that I don't know about? I've soaked them in penetrating oil for the night, and am gonna get back on them tomorrow after work...If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it.
PS- The tips you guys left in the "Sportsman Tips" forum were great. I bought my u-joints from NAPA for $46. Thanks

Todd "BIG DADDY" Irvin

 

Glad I could be of help on those U-joints. If you have backed both bolts all the way out, you may just have to jerk the s$$t out of it. If you ride in alot of water they will sieze. Thats why the book tells you to use anti-sieze compuond when putting it back together. Be careful not to rip the boot on the slide. You may want to go ahead and remove the bottom half. You need to disassemble it and regrease the slide anyway.

Before jerking on it turn the axels tapping on the top yoke gently with a hammer to break loose any rust that may have built up.

Good luck.

Greg

 

I GOT IT!!!
Greg, you were right about the jerkin'...I went to Auto Zone and rented a slide hammer and a pitman puller and FINALLY got them off. They'll get plenty of never-seize this time.
Couple of more questions...(1)the race stuck to the axle on the right rear. Is that a sealed bearing or can I just repack it...the bearings look good and there's no trash or anything in them. (2) How stiff should the anti-roll bar be? Mine is pretty free, but a friend's is so stiff you can hardly move it. Which is correct? I looked all thru my service manual and can't find any "rates" for it.

Thanks alot

 

I have had the race stick to the axel before also. I just repacked it and put it back on. Sooner or later, it will have to be replaced though. As long as the wheel turns smooth and there isn't much slack, I wouldn't worry about it. My anti sway moves freely when the shocks are off. Don't know if that helps.

Greg

 

Yes, it does help. I appreciate your insight on this stuff. I'll be pickin' your brain some more later. I've torn the front end and the back end apart and got them back together....now the only thing left is the middle!!! New carb, perhaps?
Thanks, again