In a message dated 98-03-20 14:09:37 EST, ljohnson@HALHINET.ON.CA writes:

<< To clean them we slid the boot back, and methodically cleaned out
 the joint completely....We chose lamp oil because we had
 some and because it was unlikely to cause the joint any harm. We got the
 joint so clean and so loosened >>

I'd ditto this method, with a slight twist. Haynes manuals give clear pictures
and instructions on disassembly/reassembly of these joints. It is very easy,
to take apart/assembleeven with the inner race and boot still on the axel.

However, I wouldn't monkey around with cleaning these at home with solvent.
What are you gonna do with a half-gallon of polluted kerosene when you are
done? foggetabouttit.

Take the joints apart. Keep the balls, and outer/inner races in ziplock bags
so the same joint parts go back together. Take all this greasy junk to your
friendly local mechanic or service station and ask if you can use their parts
washer, $10 for 10 minutes. Clean all the junk there, then take it home, wipe
it all down with a clean rag, reassemble, and pack with Moly.

Better still, pay someone to do all this. : )

gmbulley
cary, nc