Replacing Universal Joints

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 16, 2011 | 08:19 AM

Justin's Green Truck

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 379

Likes: 0

Replacing Universal Joints

Hi, we have two 99 F150's where I work and they both need new u-joints. One is 4X4 and the other is two wheel drive. Both are automatic trans, 4.6L
I know how to remove the driveshaft from the vehicle, but have never changed u-joints. Is there any special tool or technique required to drive them out? Thanks.

Feb 16, 2011 | 11:04 AM

moto57

Junior User

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 85

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin's Green Truck

Rent(free) a U Joint press from a local Auto parts store, lock the press in a bench vise. or Old School using a BFH and Sockets.
Don't forget before you remove the drive shafts to use a marker to mark the relation of the shaft and the slip yoke(they are balanced) Oh yea, a little PB helps too.

Feb 16, 2011 | 12:31 PM

N832

New User

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

I like to take out the drive shaft then take it to a driveline shop. They will replace the joints and balance for a very small fee. saves the headache and then they are balanced. The picture shown is a ball joint press. It should work if you set it up right..

Feb 16, 2011 | 03:43 PM

moto57

Junior User

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 85

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by N832

It's listed as a Ball Joint/U Joint/C frame Press, It does works great!

I was refering to marking the Drive Shaft/Differential Pinion Flange before you remove the bolts holding both together so they get reinstalled in the same exact position that you removed them. These marks ensure that the drive shafts dynamic balance will be restored when the driveshaft is installed again.