Axle shaft u joint

[Hopper]

I noticed a oil leak around the driver side yokes on the front shafts (expect another post on that issue). While looking at that I noticed the shaft had some play in it. I saw the end cap of the U- Joint had fallen out. Watched some videos and read post here and think I'm going to take a stab at diy replacing the u-joint. Im wondering why that cap fell off. Maybe the c clip just came off or could the yoke holes be deformed? Should I just replace the outter shaft or just install a new u joint in there. 99 4.0 D 30.

 

[Ashim]

Your front locker caused enough distortion that the retaining clip on the U-joint cap let loose. That can be remedied by using full circle retaining rings. However they won't fit on the ears of a stock shaft without grinding for clearance. Aftermarket shafts are made to accommodate the full circle retaining rings.