Took the yellow turd out this weekend and got her wet for the first time. She ran great but my only concern was a ringing/grinding noise coming from my flywheel. Only if I get on the gas too fast. Sounded to my like the flywheel was hitting the cover.

After talking to a couple of guys they all said it's time for some u joints. Before I dig into and replace the joints I guess my questions would be...

1 Does that sound right? Is it u joint time?

2 Never replaced u joints on a boat does the motor have to come out or slightly lifted?

3 Tips or tricks for the easiest way to slap new u joints in...Thx in advance fellas preciate it!

my flexplate was making contact with my block making similar noises and i ended up buying a new flexplate.  i inspected it and found some broken welds around the ring gear.  I replaced it with a SFI flexplate, which is 5000x safer than any regular ol piece.

if you're questioning your ujoints just make sure you get a good spicer 1310 (or 1350) ujoint with zerk fittings.  none of that duralast/vatozone garbage.

So I'm assuming take the cover off and inspect the plate, block and cover. I should be able to see grooves in ether one. If I do its my joints. If there's teeth missing replace the plate if there's none missing replace the joints and keep running hehe...

Any tips on easy replacement of joints or flexplate? Recommendation on where to purchase either one?

I know either one isn't a real high dollar item so I'd like to get the best part and do the job right and as easy as possible the first time.