i'm going up to purchase new u joints for my drive shaft on my 2002 f250 4x4 6.8v10, does anyone know what size the bolts are? they're like 12 point or something, so id like to be able to just buy the one socket i need. (also, is this proper format for this sight? correct me if i've made any mistakes I'm pretty new to the whole forum thing)

 

They are 12mm dont use a socket though use a 12 point box end wrench and a cheater bar. I split 2 12mm sockets trying to break those bolts lose on mine

 

I use 12mm impact socket , works great.

 

right on, thanks. also, how much does the balance of it matter, and with putting in new u joints will i have to re-balance it?

 

I draw a line on the shaft & yoke with a Sharpie at both ends. Put it back the way it came off and there should be no issue.

 

 

so I am not able to get the yolk off, is there anything major stopping me from just replacing the u joints without removing it? other than comfort

 

how were you able to fit the impact in the space? even with a universal i can't get it to seat in due to the limited space

 

I use wobble extension with impact socket..

 

You can take a hammer to the yoke ears to budge it loose. Just don't hit the driveshaft itself.

 

Tips
1. A small prybar tapped between the mating flanges will break apart the two. If it's rusted up as in salt belt rust more persuasion is needed with PB Blaster. If you mar up the flanges dress them with a file. The flanges need to be clean and parallel during reassembly.
2. Use Spicer Ujoints. Best in the biz PERIOD.
3. Always use blue removable 272 locktite on CLEAN fasteners and the threaded holes(brake cleaner) then torq to spec. Apply sufficiently but not liberally.
4. Apply antisiize to both flange surfaces. You'll thank me the next time it has to come out.Careful to not get it into the area where the loctite will live.
5. Cant hurt to have the shaft rebalanced.
6. Make sure the joints are centered. Even though the clips look seated in the clip groove doesn't mean the joints centered. There should be no tension on the clip to distort it outward. Feel the joint it should not be tight and should be smooth.
7. If you have a carrier bearing replace it too.
8. If you have a good driveshaft rebuild service in your area its cheaper and will save time to just hand the shaft over to them and let them install the joints and balance.
9. Nows a good time to grease the slip joint on the trans side of the shaft. Use only the Ford XG-8A Teflon grease, nothing else works. Use the whole tube. Look me up here on how to do this including how to reuse the Otiker clamp and boot.
10. A good open end or a good 12 point socket with the right swivel or wobble extension will allow access to the fasteners. Good as in no harborjunk stuff.
GL Steve