Driveshaft(s) — removal and installation Ford F150
Note: The manufacturer recommends replacing driveshaft fasteners with new ones when installing the driveshaft.
Removal Rear
1. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands.
2.2a Mark the relationship of the driveshaft U-joint to the differential pinion flange…
2.2b. . and to the transmission output shaft flange
2. Use chalk, paint or a scribe to «index» the relationship of the driveshaft to the differential mating flange and to the transmission output shaft flange. This ensures correct alignment when the driveshaft is reinstalled .
Insert a screwdriver through the U-joint to prevent the driveshaft from turning as you break loose the four U-joint-to-pinion flange bolts Remove and discard the bolts securing
3. Remove and discard the bolts securing the driveshaft flange to the differential pinion flange .
Note: The driveshaft to pinion fitting is a very snug fit. Do not hammer on any of the components to separate them. Use a prybar to work them apart.
4. If equipped with a two piece driveshaft, remove the center support bearing bolts and discard them (see Driveshaft center support bearing – check and replacement).
5. Some automatic transmissions have a splined slip yoke. Mark the relationship of the output shaft to slip yoke and simply slide the yoke out of the transmission.
6. Pry the universal joint away from its mating flange and remove the shaft from the flange. Be careful not to let the end caps for the universal joint to fall off (which would cause contamination and loss of the needle bearings).
Note: Use electrical tape to temporarily hold the U joint caps into place.
Front (4WD models)
7. Remove the transmission shield (if equipped)
8. Using a scribe, white paint or a hammer and punch, place marks on the driveshaft and differential flanges in line with each other. This is to make sure the driveshaft is reinstalled in the same position to preserve the balance.
9. Make alignment marks on the driveshaft and transfer case flanges.
10. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar clamp bolts and let it swing down out of the way of the front driveshaft.
11. Unbolt the CV joint to pinion flange cup bolts and discard them and retainers.
12. Remove and discard the bolts and retainers that attach the CV shaft to the transfer case.
13. Pry the CV shaft from the flange cups and remove it.
Note: Wrap tape around the universal joint bearings at the axle end of the driveshaft so they won’t fall off.
Installation
14. Installation is the reverse of removal. If the shaft cannot be lined up due to the components of the differential or transmission having been rotated, put the vehicle in Neutral or rotate one wheel to allow the original alignment to be achieved. Make sure the universal joint caps are properly placed in the flange seat. Tighten the fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
Note: Check the transmission fluid level if any fluid spilled out when the driveshaft was removed (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).