1978 k10 rear u joint movement

[78k10bro]

Hey all! So I’ve been driving my truck for a while now and I’ve already lost a u joint from a loose strap and now I’m very cautious about them. I just checked my u joints and the rear has a slight bit of movement side to side, my straps are as tight as I can get them (without rounding them off). Should i be fine or is there an issue? Front of rear driveline has no movement at all. TIA

 

[squaredeal91]

It's sliding side to side inside the straps??

 

[rusted nuts]

they should not move at all.

 

[78k10bro]

Yes sliding side to in the straps

 

[squaredeal91]

Thats not good. I've experienced that before. Im guessing Either those straps are stretched out or you somehow have the wrong u-joint or yoke combination.

 

[Juggernaut]

Check the yoke on the axle. There should be a small square tab on each side that keeps the u-joint in place. I have seen those break off before

 

[Grit dog]

Get some new u joint straps or whatever they’re called.

 

[Ricko1966]

Is it really sliding in the straps? Or is the Ujoint cross sliding back and forth inside the caps?If it's sliding in the straps I would assume mismatched parts. Been down this road 3x times all three took research to get a ujoint to fix them,don't remember them all,but I think it was precision that has a chart listing ujoints by width,both directions,cap diameters,and retention methods. I was able to find the joints I needed all three times. Found a chart I found a bigger one b4 I really think it was precision brand. And after thinking I remember all 3, a 79 trans am with a 9 inch a 66 chevelle with a mystery rearend and my 75k with mystery everything.