I have a '96 F-150 Supercab 2WD, the rear U-Joint is bad but I can not find a step by step guide to help me. Does anyone have any Idea where I can get one or maybe one of you could give me the step by step instructions. Thanks. -Joe

 

I think I can give you a quick run down on this.

First remove the driveshaft by unbolting the u-bolts from the pinion yoke. There is 4 bolts. next pull out the axle and chances are the u-joint will fall out if it is really shot. Or you can pound it out with a hammer and a small socket if necessary. If the joint is still in there very tightly I have found you can easily remove them by placing the driveshaft in between the claws of a vice so the opposite ends of the u joint support itself. Now take a large ended hammer and hit the driveshaft near the top. You may have to hit it quite hard but it will come out. Then just flip it over to remove the opposite bearing. To install the new joint, you first need to SLOWLY twist off one of the end cap bearings on the new u-joint and press or hammer it into one of the bearing holders on the driveshaft. Next, remove the other end cap bearing and set it aside. Now slip the new u-joint in between the open space of the driveshaft and slide it as far as it will go into the freshly seated bearing. Then you can tap the other bearing into place. but go easy, and check the fitment to make sure it is not to tight after it is all done.

 

Try looking at this site or this one.

 

Ok, this is really helpfull, but I really don't have the ability to take out my driveshaft, is there a way I can do this without taking it out?

 

nope........

what do you mean you don't have the ability to take out your driveshaft? Are you handicaped in some way? You may be able to have someone else do the bending over.

If its just because you feel your not mechanically inclined enough then you will find that taking the driveshaft out is the easiest part. Good luck either way.

 

I just thought that I was not mechanically inclined enough. I follwed your directions to the letter, and removed the driveshaft. I removed the old u-joint, and it was terriable, 2 of the 4 caps were gone and the other 2 caps were almost completely gone, all the needle berrings were gone and nothing but dust. The truck is running great, it's surprising how much vibration went away with a new u-joint. Thanks -Joe

 

Might I suggest a Haynes manual? You will learn a lot.

 

Quick question. I have a 93 F250 4X4 with a vibration that feels like it is the front wheel drive shaft. Could this be? Does the shaft spin even though the truck is in 2 wheel drive? Just thought that I would ask.

Geoff

 

It will only spin when the hubs are locked if in 2wd.

 

I just did this two weeks ago so here goes

1. You will have to determine if you have a one or two piece drive shaft. I think that you probably have the one so I will go with the directions for. Put the truck on ramps or jack up one end to give you some room.

2. Use something to mark the relationship of the yoke to the flange so that when you put things back together it will stay balanced.

3. Next you have to remove the flange (the flat thing that goes to axle) bolts. On an F 150 you may or may not have the U bolts. If you do they will need to removed. Mine is a 8.8 inch rear end and there were no u bolts. The bolts will need a good soaking with something like WD 40 or liquid wrench. The bolts are metric so make sure that you have the appropriate sockets. A breaker bar is most handy also.

4. After you unbolt the driveshaft it will fall free or you may have to help it. Use a rubber dead blow hammer here; there is no need to take chances.

5. Put a pan under the transmission and give the driveshaft a good tug. It should just slide outl. Have a plug handy to put in but you should only lose about a half pint of fluid if that much.

6. Bring the shaft into the garage. Mark the relationship of the yokes with spray paint again. I just spray a line from one piece to the next.

7. Remove the C clips from the end of all the yokes. Beefy needle nose pliers work well here.

8. You need a vise here a big one. Place the yoke in the vise and place a socket that is slightly smaller than the trunnion cap on one side and one that is slightly larger on the other. Use the vise and press the spider (the four armed thing) out. You will need to press one side and then swap ends and then do it again.
When you are done with that do the next two.

9. Insert the grease fitting in the new spider but do not pack it yet. Wait till it is in yoke and you have replaced the C clips.

10. Now do the reverse for installation. Be careful here to not push it to far or to remove the trunnion cap. If that cap comes off the neeedle bearings that are inside will hit the floor.

11. Replace the driveshaft when you are through and torque the flange bolts to 70 to 90 ft/lbs.

Finally if I were you I would replace both, the front and the back, at the same time. They are only twelve bucks apiece at NAPA. It should take you about 2.5 to 3 hours. Don't rush. Take your time and have a few cokes and enjoy yourself.