I'd like to replace some dry u-joints without replacing the whole driveshaft. The problem is I can't find the correct size joint.

Has anyone been able to do this?

 

no. the drive shaft is not service-able

 

Well, that depends on your definition of "serviceable."

There are u-joints available for other staked in applications: http://www.rockforddriveline.com/ujointinside.htm

One example of replacement: http://www.hondasuv.com/members/showthread.php?t=44451

 

Something like this

http://www.plymouthlaser.com/dshaft.htm

 

It's just a matter of finding a place that will do it, IMO. I had the rear U-joint replaced on mine when I converted it into a 2-piece unit.

 

that is a serviceable shaft link.

the difference being any u-joints that have c-clips holding them in are quite easy to get out and are called service-able because they are designed to be taken apart when needed. you can buy those replacement u-joints at dealer for that shaft.

a non-service-able shaft has the u-joint that are secured by a press. the press pinches the metal just enough to hold the u-joint in. you can't buy replacement u-joints at the dealer for this shaft. the dealer will sell you the whole three piece shaft.

of course there are ways around buying a whole new shaft when just a u-joint needed. its easy enough to grind away the peened metal tabs and get the old joint out. my local drive-shaft shop could do it no problem. but the new joint you receive is most likely a used one that is being sold to you as new one. or he was lucky enough to find a replacement from another shaft that was same size.

as you can see in the first link of post #3 "rockford" still to this date does not sell a replacement joint for a mitsubishi shaft.

 

Exactly.

I'm also open to an alternative such as replacing the factory yokes with ones that would fit a commonly available u-joint. There's a local driveshaft shop that I need to visit in order to see what ideas they might have.