QU40766 1485 Driveshaft Universal Joint for GM and 2003-2013 Ram

QU40766 AAM 1485 Series Large Size Dodge Ram Non-Greaseable Driveshaft Universal Joint is a genuine American Axle Manufacturing (AAM) external snap ring universal joint with 1-3/8" diameter cups for Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks with Cummins Diesel engines and 6 speed manual transmissions. It may also be found on some V-10 powered trucks and some late model automatic models. For U-Joint Service Tools See our U-Joint Tools Web Page. Made in Mexico.

PLEASE READ TECH NOTES BELOW

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:
Bearing Cups
Use AAM Specific U-Joint
External Snap Ring
Cups Not Fully Seated
4x4 Tech Publications
Applications

Tech Note 1: Bearing Cups
The bearing cups are ground down on AAM joints to accommodate the smaller lockup dimension. While it is usually possible to force a Spicer series joint in a AAM series yoke (after all, it is only a .010" difference), the snap rings will be dangerously bowed out in the center and the joint will be "tight". The tight fit increases heat generation and end galling, either of which will lead to premature failures. Interestingly, low quality, hot-forged Spicer-sized universal joints, typically sold by parts stores, are so loosely made that they often fit the AAM yokes. However, we have never found this type of joint to hold up for more than a few months behind diesel and high power gas engines.

Tech Note 2: Use AAM Specific U-Joint
If a Spicer series universal joint is installed in an AAM yoke, the tighter lockup dimension will often cause the joint to fail prematurely. So, to prevent premature universal joint failures you should install a AAM specific joint instead of a Spicer sized u-joint.

Tech Note 3: External Snap Ring
QU40766 is an external snap ring type universal joint made to AAM 1485 series specifications. The u-joint cup diameter is 1-3/8". The overall width is 4.178".

Tech Note 4: Cups Not Fully Seated
AAM u-joint bearing cups are not fully seated when the u-joint is shipped as the cup seals on current production AAM u-joints are made to have a very tight fit when the u-joint is installed. Consequently, the overall width of the u-joint will appear to be quite a bit wider than the listed overall width of 4.178" when you take the u-joint out of the box. The tight seal fit also may cause some "roughness" if you rotate the cup by hand. This is normal and not a defect with the part. If, for one reason or another, you have one or more cups seated on the cross before installation, you can easily separate them if you clamp the cup in a vise and pull on the cross.

Tech Note 5: 4x4 Tech Publications
Due to the amount of force needed to press out big joints like these from the yokes, it is very easy to compress the yoke ears enough to take a "set" that will make the snap ring grooves closer together. This will not only make your new u-joints harder to install, but it will also guarantee short part life. We see this problem over and over again, in fact more universal joints and driveshaft 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! Refer to TM3000 Driveshaft and Universal Joint Manual or TSB3502 External Snap Ring Single-Cardan U-Joint Service.

Applications:
Dodge and Sterling Bullet:
Ram 2500 and 3500 with Diesel and 6 speed manual transmission: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
all other Ram 2500, Ram 3500 trucks with AAM 1485 series universal joints: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013