Should you always purchase a universal joint service kit before beginning this procedure on Chevrolet Express?

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Always purchase a universal joint service kit for your model vehicle before beginning this procedure and read through the entire process beforehand. Start by removing the driveshaft and placing it on a workbench equipped with a vise. Use a small pair of pliers to remove the snap-rings from the ends of the universal joint yokes. Support the cross on a short piece of pipe or a large socket and use another socket to press it out by closing the vise. Press the cross through as far as possible, then grip the bearing cup with locking pliers to remove it. A universal joint repair kit will contain a new trunnion, seals, bearings, cups, and snaprings. Inspect the bearing cup housing in the driveshaft for wear and damage; if the housings are so worn that the cups fit loosely, the driveshaft must be replaced. Position the trunnion so the cavities face it, then press one bearing cup into the yoke approximately 1/4-inch using a vise. Use multi-purpose grease to hold the needle rollers in place in the cup, insert the trunnion into the partially installed bearing cup without dislodging the needle rollers, and stick the needle bearings into the opposite cup. Hold the trunnion in correct alignment and press both cups into place by slowly closing the jaws of the vise, using a socket slightly smaller in diameter than the cups to press them into the yoke. Press in one side, install the snap-ring, then press the other side to shift the trunnion assembly tight against the installed snap-ring and install the other snap-ring. Repeat these operations for the remaining two bearing cups. If this is the first time the joint is being rebuilt, it will not be necessary to remove the snap-rings, as the pressing operation will shear the molded plastic retaining material. If the driveshaft has previously had the original U-joints replaced with snap-ring types, remove the snap-rings before pressing the bearing cups out. Press out the bearing cups, remove the trunnion, and clean all plastic material from the yoke, using a small punch to remove the plastic from the injection holes. Reassembly follows the same process as for the outer snap-ring joint, except that the snap-rings are on the inner part of each bearing cup.

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