TK40444 Premium Axle 1485 Series U-Joint for 2003-2009 Ram 2500, 3500

TK40444 Torque King® Non-Greaseable Axle U-Joint for 2003-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 A premium, factory lubed universal joint for your heavy-duty Dodge Ram 4x4 equipped with the open-knuckle American Axle Manufacturing (AAM) 9-1/4" solid beam front drive axle. Ultra-strong Universal Joint features super-thick and extra tough cold-forged cross with heavy journals for maximum strength, This is a great u-joint u-joint for this application because it combines the strength of a solid, cold-forged cross with excellent seals and a maintenance free, factory-lubed design that meets or exceeds all original equipment specifications. To keep grease in and water out, the triple lip seal will hold against some pressure, plus it is protected by a plastic outer ring that deflects road splash and debris. Also fits 2004-2010 Ram 1500 Mega Cab with the solid beam 4x4 front axle. Assembled in U.S.A. using both domestic and imported components.

Also See TK40446 Torque King® greaseable and QU40765 AAM Original Equipment Universal Joints

Need More Info? Use the handy Links below to access over 40 years of Dan's product and vehicle specific Tech Notes to easily get the information you need for your vehicle's repair, maintenance, or upgrade project!

Dan the Gear Man® Tech Notes:
Service Life
U-Joint Type
Installation
Avoid Problems
Applications

Tech Note 1: Service Life
Most U-Joint crosses are forged by one of two methods, either hot-forged or cold-forged. Cold-forged crosses are harder and more resistant to wear but the process is costly compared to hot-forging. For certain applications, such as rear driveshaft u-joints on diesel trucks, the increased wear resistance of a cold-forged cross is very important. For axle universal joints of this size, the hardness of the cross does not seem very critical for longevity. The big difference in service life comes down to lubrication and the effectiveness of the seals. The excellent seals and premium factory lube used on this non-greaseable u-joint gives it long life (average 7-10 years even under hard use) with no maintenance.

Tech Note 2: U-Joint Type
TK40444 is an internal c-clip type universal joint made to AAM 1485WJ series size specifications. The cup diameter is 1-3/8" and the joint will only fit AAM 925 axle yokes that have an inside width of 2.92". TK40444 will NOT fit Spicer front axles!!!!!

Tech Note 3: Installation
Most axle shaft universal joint service is done using makeshift tools and hammering on the parts until something gives. Axle Shafts and Axle universal joints are precise components that can be easily damaged by such slam-bang work. There is a better way to perform u-joint service using application specific press tooling and approved service procedures such as those illustrated in my four page, color illustrated, TSB4597 Dodge Truck AAM Front Axle Shaft Service Tech Bulletin. Also See our U-Joint Tools web page or our individual Tool Pages for QT1065M C-Frame Press, QT4009 Large U-Joint Separator Yoke, QT4011 Press Tip and QT4015 Press Anvil.

Tech Note 4: Avoid Problems
Due to the amount of force needed to press out big joints like these from the axle shaft yokes, it is very easy to compress the yoke ears enough to take a "set" that will make installing the snap rings difficult or impossible. This will not only increase your blood pressure, but it will also guarantee short part life if you do force the rings in. We see this problem over and over again, in fact more universal joints and axle yokes are wrecked by slam-bang methods of u-joint replacement than by any other cause. Moral of the story is: Use the right tools and service procedures or be prepared to pay the price!

Applications:
Dodge:
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Ram 2500, Ram 3500
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4