Ok last question. I just like to have all my ducks in a row before pulling the drive. I read on another thread that the DP-SM drive shaft is a non serviceable drive
They are referring to the bearing crosses as being non-serviceable. In other words, there are no grease zerks in them.
Since these undergo "point loading", and there is no coast side ware, there is no real reason to grease them..... the point loading cannot be compensated for by greasing them.
and I would have to buy the whole drive shaft and crosses (u joint) as one piece. Is this correct?
Not so!
I have a repair manual and my book has directions on replacing the bearing crosses. I am what you would call a home mechanic (3 years of auto shop in high school). I do all my own work on my cars and this is my first boat and I try to make sure I do all the right things, I pull the risers every other year, and replace the impeller along with repacking my trailer wheel bearings every year I never knew about pulling the drive and doing maintenance on the gimble bearing. Thanks for the info I will add this to my list of off season maintenance.
If your trailer is equipped with EZ Lube, SureLube or SuperLube spindles (lube fitting at outer end of spindle.... NOT bearing buddies), you must spin the wheel as you pump the new grease in.