Front driveshaft
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
when purchasing them, it is a good idea to take the old ones in to match them up.
Also they will probably be pre=greased but one never knows. If you have a grease gun then once in place give them a couple of squirts.
Of course if they are are sealed then no grease.
Greaseables I would give a shot or two at every other oil change, same as other greaseabe parts.
Also they will probably be pre=greased but one never knows. If you have a grease gun then once in place give them a couple of squirts.
Of course if they are are sealed then no grease.
Greaseables I would give a shot or two at every other oil change, same as other greaseabe parts.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
when purchasing them, it is a good idea to take the old ones in to match them up.
Also they will probably be pre=greased but one never knows. If you have a grease gun then once in place give them a couple of squirts.
Of course if they are are sealed then no grease.
Greaseables I would give a shot or two at every other oil change, same as other greaseabe parts.
Also they will probably be pre=greased but one never knows. If you have a grease gun then once in place give them a couple of squirts.
Of course if they are are sealed then no grease.
Greaseables I would give a shot or two at every other oil change, same as other greaseabe parts.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
I haven’t been under there to check it yet, but the mechanic said, “That’s an aftermarket shaft, cause those aren’t Ford clips holding the u-joints in it.” So, I’m thinking now that it MAY be a stock shaft, but somebody had already replaced the joints like we’re talking about. Since it’s worked for me for the last 140k miles, I’m thinking use those clips and get the same kind of u-joints and I’ll be fine.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,169
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From: Bismarck, ND
Just make sure the driveshaft goes back together the same way. As in, the 2 ends are "timed" correctly. You may also consider having a driveline shop balance the shaft for you once you get the new U-joints installed, and before you put it back in the truck. Take a close look at the hardware once you have it down, and don't be afraid to replace it if the bolts or straps are hammered.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Just make sure the driveshaft goes back together the same way. As in, the 2 ends are "timed" correctly. You may also consider having a driveline shop balance the shaft for you once you get the new U-joints installed, and before you put it back in the truck. Take a close look at the hardware once you have it down, and don't be afraid to replace it if the bolts or straps are hammered.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
the front drive shaft may or may not turn even with the front end unlocked. The centrifical forces will tend to turn it a bit but not at full speed. Only when the hubs are locked do you get full speed.
If there were no other issues, I would replace the u joints and put it in and go for a drive.
If there were no other issues, I would replace the u joints and put it in and go for a drive.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2012
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Likes: 1
From: Lakeland, TN
Agree. I checked today and mine does not move at low speed in forward or reverse, but I have no idea what it does at highway speed. If it does spin at speed and it’s out of balance, you’d know it pretty fast.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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You've already gotten a ton of good advice here, but from what I've read I gather this:
1. you bought a used truck, chances are good someone replaced the original u-joints. Common, they're a wear item.
2. You noticed at some point using 4wd (or during an inspection at an oil change) that the u-joints are bad again. Again, common, it's good practice to engage 4wd and drive around a bit (no tight turns on pavement!!!) to move the grease around or they'll dry up and disintegrate.
3. Your mechanic sent you on a wild goose chase. There's only a few reasons any driveshaft needs to be replaced due to wear, and it doesn't sound like any of them apply to you (bent, broken, cracked, unbalanced, or splines stripped out). Find the best u-joints you can and have them replaced, some shops will even press the old ones out and new ones in for you for a small fee (probably an hour's labor rate, that's what I always got billed).
1. you bought a used truck, chances are good someone replaced the original u-joints. Common, they're a wear item.
2. You noticed at some point using 4wd (or during an inspection at an oil change) that the u-joints are bad again. Again, common, it's good practice to engage 4wd and drive around a bit (no tight turns on pavement!!!) to move the grease around or they'll dry up and disintegrate.
3. Your mechanic sent you on a wild goose chase. There's only a few reasons any driveshaft needs to be replaced due to wear, and it doesn't sound like any of them apply to you (bent, broken, cracked, unbalanced, or splines stripped out). Find the best u-joints you can and have them replaced, some shops will even press the old ones out and new ones in for you for a small fee (probably an hour's labor rate, that's what I always got billed).
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