Half shaft U joint yoke flange install
 

I'm installing a new U joint to the yoke flange and half shaft. Is it easier to install the U joint in the yoke flange first and then to the half shaft or doesn't it make a difference?

Small to big. Easier to handle.

Rookie question: Does the trailing arm need to be raised to "ride height" before bolting the halfshaft to the spindle flange to prevent cracking the halfshaft flange?

I think the flange can take a hell of a beating, but I got all bolts started before tightening them.

Having just done it I found it best to install the u-joint on the flange first be sure to support the flange (most use a steel plate with holes drilled to match the flange and then bolt the flange to it. (also can bolt two flanges together for support while pressing the u-joint in).

For flange attachment to the trailing arms Its easier to bolt up the flange if trailing arm is supported by say a 2x4" block of wood elevating the arm to around level.

thegazman
 

Beg your pardon. That flange cannot take a hell of a beating. That flange is easy to bend.

I used a 1" thick 4x4" square chunk of aluminum. Drilled and tapped it for the flange, then cut a recess for the centering ring on the back of the flange. Bolt the flange to that and then drive the joints in and out. If you don't support the flange, odds are you bend it.

My point and maybe I misunderstood the question, but when bolting the shaft back in place, it can hang from one side while the other end is bolted. It just seems obvious to me that if you're installing the universals (or removing them) you must be careful not to bend the flange.
And yes-when I let the clutch out-it can take a hell of a beating...

Verified on easy to bend, I just did this and bent two flanges before I figured out what I was doing wrong. I am such a moron that I actually returned the correct U-Joints to the parts store, I was convinced that they were "to big" :hide: The 19 year old girl behind the counter assured me they were correct for my application. A guy walked over from the other side of the counter and looked at my flange that I had with me. He just smiled, and said " you bent it"
Live and learn