QU50469 AAM 1415 Series Non-Greaseable Driveshaft Universal Joint

QU50469 AAM 1415 Series Medium Size Premium Non-Greaseable Driveshaft Universal Joint for GM, Nissan, and Ram is a genuine American Axle Manufacturing (AAM) external snap ring original equipment universal joint with 1-3/16" diameter cups for most 2003-2013 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks with gas engines. Also fits most 2003-2012 Ram 2500, 3500 trucks with Cummins Diesel engines either 5 speed manual transmissions or automatic transmissions. For GM, 1415 series u-joints are found in many 2007-up 1500 to 3500 trucks and full-size SUVs. Nissan NV2500HD and NV3500HD vans starting in 2016 also use QU50469 u-joints. USA Made or Mexico.

For U-Joint Service Tools See our U-Joint Tools Web Page.

READ THE TECH NOTES BELOW!

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Dan the Gear Man® Tech Notes:
The Right U-Joint
Dimensions
When you receive U-Joint
Use the Proper Tools
Matching Parts
Applications

Tech Note 1: The Right U-Joint
For the 2003-2012 model years, most Dodge Ram 2500, Ram 3500 rear driveshafts are supplied by American Axle Manufacturing (AAM) instead of Dana-Spicer. Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 rear driveshafts use AAM series joints that have a .010" smaller snap ring lockup dimension when compared to Spicer series universal joints.

The bearing cups are ground down on many 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.

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 2: Dimensions
QU50469 is an external snap ring type universal joint made to AAM 1415 series specifications. The u-joint cup diameter is 1-3/16". The overall width is 4.178".

Tech Note 3: When you receive U-Joint
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 4: Use the Proper Tools
Due to the amount of force needed to press out big u-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! For service information, refer to TM3000 Driveshaft and Universal Joint Manual or TSB3502 External Snap Ring Single-Cardan U-Joint Service Bulletin.

Tech Note 5: Matching Parts
QU50381 Rear Driveshaft Flange Yoke
QU50731 Rear Pinion Flange for Dodge Ram AAM 10-1/2" and 11-1/2" 14 Bolt rear Axles
QU50430 34 Spline, 1415 Series Slip Yoke w/o Dampener for NV271D and NV273D Transfer Cases
QU50752 34 Spline, 1415 Series Slip Yoke w/Dampener for NV271D and NV273D Transfer Cases
QU50842 36 Spline 1415 Series Midship Driveshaft Slip Yoke

Applications:

Dodge:
Ram 2500, Ram 3500 trucks with gas engines: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Ram 2500, Ram 3500 trucks with Cummins Diesel engines, and either 5 speed manual or automatic transmissions: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

GM:
1500, 2500, 3500 trucks and full size SUVs: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Nissan:
NV2500HD, NV3500HD Vans: 2016, 2017, 2018