Rocket Man's 02 Denali Build Thread AKA "THE BEAST"

[Rocket Man]

I decided to replace the 3 u-joints that are original while the drive lines are removed. Seemed an opportune time. I replaced one when I broke it a couple years ago. So I ordered some Dana Spicers and new straps and proceeded to begin removing the old ones. They’re the plastic injected ones so I chose an appropriate size socket to catch a cap and since my vise is 6” I didn’t have room for a smaller socket for the “push” side so I used a big nut. I heated the shit out of the yokes until I thought all the plastic had oozed out and began applying pressure and then....snap. There went my 6” HF vise- a jaw broke off. Ordered a better 8” one off Amazon. I will get it Sunday.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I decided to replace the 3 u-joints that are original while the drive lines are removed. Seemed an opportune time. I replaced one when I broke it a couple years ago. So I ordered some Dana Spicers and new straps and proceeded to begin removing the old ones. They’re the plastic injected ones so I chose an appropriate size socket to catch a cap and since my vise is 6” I didn’t have room for a smaller socket for the “push” side so I used a big nut. I heated the shit out of the yokes until I thought all the plastic had oozed out and began applying pressure and then....snap. There went my 6” HF vise- a jaw broke off. Ordered a better 8” one off Amazon. I will get it Sunday.

Tough ass U joint--or ****** vise.

 

[George B]

This is my favorite U-Joint tool.
https://www.harborfreight.com/Ball-...PZ2nq9tGAyXNzfHwtxSHB0UyjB7km9gcaAlmJEALw_wcB

 

[PG01]

I decided to replace the 3 u-joints that are original while the drive lines are removed. Seemed an opportune time. I replaced one when I broke it a couple years ago. So I ordered some Dana Spicers and new straps and proceeded to begin removing the old ones. They’re the plastic injected ones so I chose an appropriate size socket to catch a cap and since my vise is 6” I didn’t have room for a smaller socket for the “push” side so I used a big nut.I heated the shit out of the yokes until I thought all the plastic had oozed out and began applying pressure and then....snap. There went my 6” HF vise- a jaw broke off. Ordered a better 8” one off Amazon. I will get it Sunday.

Like a snake.... lol....oozing plastic

 

[Rocket Man]

Tough ass U joint--or ****** vise.

****** Harbor Freight vise. I have always hated it, it always worked ******. But man a good 8” vise can get expensive, up to $500. I opted for a compromise at around $150. The HF 6” was about $70 and they don’t even sell an 8”one.
Yost 938 All-Steel Combination Pipe and Bench Vise with 360 Degree Swivel Base https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MXSLBP0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_nmTQEbXWF6SRP

 

[Bear77]

This is my favorite U-Joint tool.
https://www.harborfreight.com/Ball-...PZ2nq9tGAyXNzfHwtxSHB0UyjB7km9gcaAlmJEALw_wcB

How well does it work?


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[George B]

How well does it work?


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I love it! I have used it many, many times for U-Joints and several ball joint jobs. For ball joints you may need the extra adapter set. For U-joints it is freaking awesome when used with an impact wrench. Snug it by hand, heat the plastic out if needed and press em out. I use it for install too. Works even better with a buddy to hold stuff but I usually work alone.

Sorry for the clutter in your thread @Rocket Man

 

[Bear77]

I love it! I have used it many, many times for U-Joints and several ball joint jobs. For ball joints you may need the extra adapter set. For U-joints it is freaking awesome when used with an impact wrench. Snug it by hand, heat the plastic out if needed and press em out. I use it for install too. Works even better with a buddy to hold stuff but I usually work alone.

Sorry for the clutter in your thread @Rocket Man

Thanks


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[Bear77]

Looks like the season for things getting broken is lurking over your shoulder @Rocketman


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[Rocket Man]

It looks like Ryan at Performabuilt has found the silver bullet. And it looks like it was my fault although I did not know this could be a problem. When I changed the filter at 2000 miles I used RTV on the pan gasket which NOW I find out is a definite no-no. He found silicone blocking the feed for the servo on the pan rail, causing it to not release. Shit. I'm pretty sure I used RTV the first time I installed the trans too, and changed the filter after break-in. That would explain why it didn't last long after I did that the first time. They should say something about that in the instructions.

Here is his email to me today:

Please call me or have your tuner call me and i will explain whats wrong. The servo isnt the problem, the silicone blocking the feed on the panrail is and that isnt letting the servo release properly and you will get hard shifts from that. ALSO line pressure in marks tune needs to be verified that its OEM STOCK PER THE STOCK BIN FILE. My number is *** *** **** with further questions. Please listen and follow my instructions. Had it not been for the silicone blocking the release for the servo you would still be on the road. The line pressure check in the pcm is a safeguard and is required for all of our transmissions.