question about the axle shafts?

i was working on my jeep today and had pulled off the steering knuckle on my passenger side . well the axle shaft was sitting there so i was jus going to pull it out and check it also. well when i started pulling the end came off and these little balls cames out . so i started looking and i guess i don't have u joints there and was wondering if i could fix this myself or if i could upgrade to the new spicer ujoint but the original axle shaft? of will i have to buy new axle shafts with the new ujoints allredy in them?

 

thanks

 

bbb

You might be able to find a used set with the Spicer u joints here on the board. I believe they'll slide right in. Yes?

 

Mike: I've done that exact thing!! Still lookin' for that dang center ball (w/ hole in it) that got away. Dang!
Anyway, you can re-assemble it and call it a day if you're just wanting to get by. Those are called "Bendix" axle shafts. Even the Factory Service Manual (FSM) warns that the whole axle joint will disassemble when ya pull on it like ya did. I did the same dang thing. R)

A common upgrade, as Glenn mentioned, are Spicer u-joint 10-spline axle shafts. Those can be $$$$$, but are less vulnerable to failure at full turn/articulation than the Bendix variety.

Oh, if you part with those Bendix shafts, lemme know. Thanks!!'
-Alan