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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Front axel U joint Question..

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Old Jul 22, 2010 | 12:00 PM
  #1  
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Front axel U joint Question..

1988 F150 4x4 lariat 5.0 efi 6 footer 4:10's
My Front axel U joint driverside dried up rusted shut, and snapped the Yoke coming out of the Hub, it just ripped through the Holes holding the U-joint caps.
Looks like I have to take off the Hub assy in order to repair this if I want 4WD ?
Is the Axel shaft leading into the diff held in there with a C' Clip? or will the axel slide out from the casing?
This Busted 2 winters ago, and have been relying on the Limited slip locker in the rear with a couple of BF Goody TKO's to get through the snow.
However,
Now I 'm faced with replacing a lower balljoint on that side now.
not sure if its worth going the extra mile and do the axel ,I was originally just keeping it alive until a newer truck popped up.
But this truck keeps coming back from the dead.
Anyone?
 
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Old Jul 22, 2010 | 01:05 PM
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Is the Axel shaft leading into the diff held in there with a C' Clip?

No clip on drivers side, remove the hub / spindle and it will slide right out.

Myself I'd replace it and the ball joints at the same time, to do one you'll already have it apart to do the other anyway, that is if you intend to keep the truck.

However even if you intend to replace the truck in the near future depending on the condition, its overall condition of truck being fairly solid otherwise, it would be an easier "sale" if its already been repaired so the 4by actually works.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2010 | 01:08 PM
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Not sure about an '88 150 but I have a '96 250 with a Dana 50 and there is a c-clip holding the left-side axle in the front diff. I was pretty bent to find out that the right-side just slides out but the left has a clip on it...

If it keeps coming back from the dead, fix it.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2010 | 01:18 PM
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Not sure about an '88 150 but I have a '96 250 with a Dana 50 and there is a c-clip holding the <strike>left</strike> right-side axle in the front diff.

Yes the right side, "passenger side" its inner stub shaft is retained by a C clip, not necessary to remove it to remove outer axle shaft to replace the outer u-joint or ball joints. Not necessary to remove it to replace the center "inner" u-joint on that side either, while not "fun" it can be done while working under the truck.

The left side, "drivers side" the axle shaft is not retained by a inner clip.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2010 | 01:52 PM
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Thanks everyone- guess i'm gonna do both jobs -(Broke yoke, And Ball Joints)
That way its done and overwith.
'Preciate it-

Oh, by the way, Anyone know if these particular Balljoints need to be "pressed in"

(1988 F150 4x4 lariat )
 
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Old Jul 22, 2010 | 02:24 PM
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They do - you'll need a ball joint press tool:
Four Wheel Drive Ball Joint Service Kit The same tool will do u-joints

Also a ball joint separator fork comes in handy.

Check your wheel bearing play while you have it all apart - Another part you have to take off anyway so might as well check.
 
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Old Jul 23, 2010 | 08:10 AM
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From: Cook Forest and Irwin PA
and while you are at THAT, replace the stub shaft support bearings in the spindle and all the seals (hard to find, but advance DOES have them)

when I do an F150 front end, I do it all,

ball joints, u joints, all bearings and seals and I remachine all surfaces, rebuilt the hubs etc. takes me ab out 16 hours but Im far more **** than most.

I posted the steps somewhere on here about a year ago...has tips hints and shortcuts you can take.
 
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