So I wasnt wheeling hard but started to hear some noises and checked when I got home and foud my u-joint pretty much gone. Now I am debating on going to the rcvs or just fix the u-joint and still have enough cash for gears and lockers

 

well if the hole is wallowed out then u will have to replace the outer stub and ujoint. if not then just replace the ujoint. u might as well replace entire shaft if u have to replace ore than ujoint.. price anywhere from $110-$180 depending on where u get it from.

i just went through this. i was debating on upgrading to rcv also, but some people mention the weak point. we will always have a weak point but im running 5.13 with a locker. id much rather carry couple spare shafts then have to replace ring and pinion.

 

U-joints are cheap. Buy a new one and a spare.

If you're really worried about it, find a set of stock axles to carry as a spare. You'll still be spending a LOT less than any other solution and the idea of having the u-joint as the weak link really does save other parts.

 

Out wheeling with friends on Sat. and one of them lost one of the caps to the u joint.
Went into town (Yucca Valley Jeep dealer) Right away the service guy knew what
was wrong. Said very common problem with driver side u joint. But.... to our
surpise he said since the JK was an 07, the whole axle shaft needed to be replaced
since he said all 07's and early 08's had problems and after that time the problem
was corrected. He and parts guy were very helpful.
So.....I decided to go to new Chrome Alloy in the near future.

 

so why did he say whole axle shaft had to be replaced?
sounds to me he was trying to get more money out of u.
unless u did damage to the shaft there is no reason to replace. pop a new ujoint in and be done.

 

dude, i keep re reading your post, and that guy has no idea what he was talking about.

there was no problem with all 07's or 08's. alot of jeeps do have problems with the c-clip falling out then the cap on the joint. but thats happen since jeeps have been around. i have an 07. i can replace the u-joint, inner shaft, or outer shaft with no problem. he was trying to sell u onn a shaft with probably a huge markup.

if u want to keep doing business with that guy, id ask more questions and see what he says and go from there. i would ask what so called problem he is talking about.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY ENTIRE SHAFT IF A CAP FALLS OFF.

 

X2... I have an 07 and had to replace the ujoints on both sides over a 2 year period. No issues with the shaft. I have since then broken my driver side axle shaft but that was my fault.

 

The service guy stated that Jeep had a new design for axle and u joint in the early
08 model year. My friend's Jeep was under warrenty, so no extra money for him.
In fact, they did not have a new axle or u joint so sent friend down to Palm Springs
dealer to get it fixed since they had the parts. The service guy stated that he has
seen many Rubicons with this problem. Also, if person drives with u joint banging
around, it will hollow out the metal.
Yucca Valley Jeep 29 Palms Highway

 

hmmmmm, well, i could be wrong, but i dont think i am. the only changes that i am aware of was gear ratio was changed and some early 07 had dana35 on the rear then later 07 had dana44 then d44 rear 08-10. i dont know dude what he was tryiung to tell you, but i do stand by my statement of you can change out the ujoint or shafts. like u said if it driven then i can possibly wallow out the hole and mess up a shaft. then yes u have to replace that part. my outer shaft was screwed so i could replace u-joint and outer stub, but i opted for a whole shaft

 

Depends on what future mods you have in mind. Go RCV if you can get a good price.