I have searched thoroughly and am surprised this isn't mentioned anywhere. I need to replace the rear universal joint on my drive shaft. The u-joint is retained to the driveshaft side with the standard c-clips and is retained to the pinion gear side with the strap type brackets and bolts. I have purchased several u-joints and they all seem to not fit in the the pinion side seat where the straps attach. There is space between the u-joint bearing caps and the retainer tabs on the pinion side bracket. I assume this space was meant for the c-clips but I don't see slots for c-clips and I don't recall the original u-joint having clips. The original u-joint fit in tight between the two tabs on the pion side seat allowing no play. Is the original u-joint longer on the pinion side than on the driveshaft side? Are the c-clips normal installed behind the strap type retainers on the aftermarket u-joints even though there is no slots (doesn't seem right to me)? What am I missing here?

 

never heard of the problem you are encoutering. where did you get the u-joints and did you get them specific for your year and model?

Take the old one in and compare at the store.

May have to go to the dealer if no one has the right one.

 

Had similar trouble with u joints on a 99 250 and a 03 350 but they had a way to retain the clip. Just out of reach though. It seemed it was the wrong u joint yet it matched the old one perfectly. Thought I was missing something simple, maybe I did but I also had to have one replaced 1/2 cross country. The garage had a problem installing the new one as well. They ran SD wreckers, familiar with fords and just had to be very careful with the caps yet aggressive to get it installed. I'm guessing it has to do with the needle bearings staying perfectly aligned along with the amount of grease that might hang up the cap just enough to make it difficult ...only a guess.

 

I found out the tabs on the pinion flange are worn. I'll have to get a new flange. I need to replace the flange seal anyway. Thanks for the help.