What is involved in replacing the U-joints, and is it a job the average backyard mechanic can readily tackle..with a good assortment of mechanics tool?

Any suugestions appreciated.. You guessed it, it 'be an 89 Cherokee Pioneer.

Thanks, Ralph.

 

Well theres a few things you'll need, a 12 point 13mm socket (for taking off the wheel bearings) a 36mm socket for the axle.

a few tips i have is: use a rim that will let you get access to the 36mm nut, like a steel rim... (or take the cap off the center) remove the cotter pin and the little cap to prevent it from spinning... clean the big nut and axle threads off with a wire brush and spray penetrating oil on it... let it soak in... with the wheel on the jeep and the jeep on the ground, use a long cheater bar to break it loose, give the axle a tap in to make sure its loose from the bearing, then jack it up off the ground.

you'll want to have both wheels off the ground so you can turn the wheels easily to get to the bearing bolts... i've even had to use a small cheater on these, but once all 3 bolts are off, it should be a matter of using a chisel to pry the bearing off of the knuckle... slide hammer works too.

 

Thanks Crazy-
Sockets, ratchets,breaker bars, torque wrench are not a problem.
Thanks for the tip,for leaving the rim on and the weight of the Jeep for removing the hub nut..
Cheers, Ralph