This procedure covers the replacement of universal joints (U-joints) on the front or rear driveshaft of a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Universal joint (U-joint) × 1 — Spicer 5-760X or equivalent
• U-joint strap bolts/nuts (if reuse not recommended) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels if working on front driveshaft, or front wheels if working on rear driveshaft
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Spray all U-joint strap bolts and yoke fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft orientation
   Using a marker or paint pen, mark the relationship between the driveshaft and the yoke at both ends (transfer case/transmission and differential). Draw a line across both components so they can be reassembled in the exact same orientation. This maintains factory driveline balance.
2. 2

   Remove driveshaft
   Remove the U-joint strap bolts at the differential end first. You may need to rotate the driveshaft by turning the wheels (transmission in neutral) to access all bolts. Support the driveshaft center, then remove the transfer case or transmission end fasteners. If equipped with a center support bearing, note its orientation. Carefully slide the driveshaft rearward to disengage the slip yoke and remove from vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Clean driveshaft yoke area
   Use a wire brush to clean the yoke ears and identify which U-joint needs replacement. Inspect all U-joints for play, roughness, or visible damage. Clean away any dirt or corrosion around the U-joint caps.
4. 4

   Remove U-joint snap rings
   Using snap ring pliers, remove the internal or external snap rings (circlips) that retain the U-joint bearing caps in the yoke. There are four snap rings total per U-joint (one per bearing cap). Place snap rings in a container for reuse if they are in good condition, otherwise discard and use new ones provided with replacement U-joint.
5. 5

   Press out first bearing cap
   Position the yoke in a U-joint press or use a C-clamp setup with appropriately sized sockets. Press one bearing cap partially out of the yoke by pushing from the opposite side. The socket on the pressing side should be smaller than the cap; the receiving socket should be larger to accept the cap. Press until the cap protrudes enough to grip with pliers or vise grips, then remove it completely. Be careful not to damage the yoke bore.
6. 6

   Remove remaining bearing caps and U-joint cross
   Rotate the driveshaft and repeat the pressing process for the opposite bearing cap. Once both caps on one axis are removed, the U-joint cross can be tilted and removed from the yoke. Remove the two remaining bearing caps from the other yoke in the same manner. Keep the work area clean as needle bearings may fall from caps.
7. 7

   Clean yoke bores
   Thoroughly clean the yoke bearing bore surfaces with a wire brush and inspect for damage, scoring, or excessive wear. Any burrs or rough spots should be carefully removed with fine emery cloth. The bores must be clean and smooth for proper U-joint installation and retention.
8. 8

   Install new U-joint cross
   Remove one bearing cap from the new U-joint (check that all needle bearings are in place and greased). Insert the U-joint cross into one side of the yoke. Start one bearing cap into the yoke bore by hand, ensuring it slides over the cross trunnion without displacing needle bearings. Tap gently with a dead blow hammer if needed to start the cap squarely.
9. 9

   Press in bearing caps
   Using the U-joint press or C-clamp, carefully press the first bearing cap into the yoke bore until it is flush with the snap ring groove. Install the opposite bearing cap and press it in while simultaneously seating the first cap fully. Alternate pressing from each side to ensure the cross centers properly. Press until both caps are positioned to accept snap rings, but do not over-press or the U-joint will bind.
10. 10

    Install snap rings and check for binding
    Install the snap rings into their grooves on both bearing caps. Ensure snap rings are fully seated. Rotate the U-joint cross by hand - it should move freely without binding. If binding occurs, the caps may be pressed too far; use the press to relieve pressure slightly. Repeat the process for the remaining two bearing caps on the other yoke axis.
11. 11

    Reinstall driveshaft
    Apply a thin coat of grease to the slip yoke splines if accessible. Carefully guide the driveshaft back into position, aligning the slip yoke with the transfer case or transmission output. Align the marks made during disassembly at both ends. Support the driveshaft while installing fasteners.
12. 12

    Install and torque U-joint straps
    Install the U-joint straps and bolts at both the differential and transfer case/transmission ends. Ensure straps are properly seated on the bearing caps. Tighten the strap bolts evenly in a cross pattern to prevent cap misalignment. Torque all U-joint strap bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all U-joint strap bolts are torqued to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) in a cross pattern
2. If center support bearing was removed, ensure it is properly aligned and torqued per service manual
3. Double-check that driveshaft orientation marks are properly aligned at both ends

Verification

• Rotate the driveshaft by hand (transmission in neutral) to confirm smooth operation without binding or excessive play
• Verify all U-joint snap rings are fully seated in their grooves
• Lower vehicle and test drive at various speeds, listening for vibration or clunking noises that would indicate improper installation or imbalance
• Recheck all U-joint strap bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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