Used a ball joint/u joint press to remove corroded in u joints.
I ended up bending in one ear of my passenger side inner shaft.
the ear is bent in approx. 1/8" - 3/16"
Can that be just bent back out? I an afraid I will:
A) fatigue the metal
B) have something out of whack or alignment?

Any words of wisdom?

 

I've done that 3 times already. To correct it I put two log splitting wedges in opposing directions inside the ears and whack the one that's touching the bent ear. The wedges' angles are such that when placed together that way they are flush to the inner surface of the ears. Worked every time.

 

It's a forged piece and can be straightened without hurting it. If only one side is bent, just match the internal dimension of the other half. Using your press, put a rod or long socket thru the yoke from the good side with a block or bar of steel across the hole in the bent side. Clamp down the other end of the axle so it won't lift up when you press. If you're using a c-clamp type press, Try the wedge method.

 

Thanks guys,,
That's what I needed to know

 

Monitoring the distance helped to get the right dimension. A hair over 55mm.

 

Don't forget about spring-back when you release pressure. Check it afterwards. When I did the one on my 97 ZJ the joint was a little tight. I just wailed on the one ear with a punch and hammer and it loosened up.

 

You guys are brutal!

Did the same on mine. Pressed it back. No problems.