*are* the u-joints the same? not exactly sure, but i did use the stock replacements on mine and haven't had any issues (been running it this way for about 8 months).
I also believe they are the same. Get some quality joints though. Spicer used to be good stuff back in the day. Also, as I recall, non-Zerked joints are stronger than zerked.
I also believe they are the same. Get some quality joints though. Spicer used to be good stuff back in the day. Also, as I recall, non-Zerked joints are stronger than zerked.
The sealed units are better, maybe not so much in the way of strength, but because they're maintenance free. The U-joints with a zerk fitting require constant maintenance, typically adding grease at regular intervals, such as with every oil change like you'd do suspension components.
Unfortunately sealed u-joints tend to have a short lifespan. You'd be lucky to get more than 30,000 miles out of them before they need replacement, and the reason is that once they dry up inside they wear out rapidly. Greasable u-joints might be a small PITA to maintain but they last much longer.