Need To Change the Rear U-Joint......
 

Have a 2002 Ranger, 2 WD, 4 banger/auto....need to replace the rear u-joint....(it bangs when I put it in gear).....anything I need to know before attempting to do it.............

make sure youve got the right ones, advance auto sold me the wrong kind, i ended up going to napa

Just a side question on the same topic, how much play in the driveshaft is acceptable for determining if there's a u-joint issue. Mine moves a little bit, maybe like a half-inch or something. Not a ton but enough that I can hear and see it clank.

For reference I'm getting the clunk when I let out of the clutch in first or reverse unless I let it out very slowly. I'm trying to figure out if it's a u-joint issue or the slip-yoke needing greased or something. I'd rather try the u-joints first if there's a decent likelihood that it's the issue.

There should be no play

Driveshaft at Diff- Push/pull up and down if there is play replace

Transmission tail housing at driveshaft-Pull down on the tail housing and push/pull up and down if there is play replace