This procedure covers removal and installation of the front driveshaft on a 4WD 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including disconnection from the transfer case and front differential.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front driveshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford driveshaft with correct length and yoke configuration
• U-joint strap bolts × 8 — Replace if corroded or damaged
• Thread locker medium strength × 1 — Loctite 242 or equivalent

Fluids

• 75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Raise front of vehicle and support with jack stands at frame rails rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove front skid plate if equipped to access driveshaft components
5. Place transmission in neutral to allow driveshaft rotation
6. Clean U-joint strap bolts and surrounding areas with wire brush to ease removal
7. Position drain pan under front differential yoke area

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft orientation
   Using a marking pen or paint marker, make alignment marks across the driveshaft and transfer case output yoke, and across the driveshaft and front differential input yoke. These marks must align during reinstallation to maintain proper driveshaft phasing. Make the marks clearly visible and on multiple sides for reference.
2. 2

   Remove transfer case end U-joint straps
   Locate the two U-joint straps securing the driveshaft to the transfer case output yoke. Remove the four bolts (two per strap) using a 15mm socket. Rotate the driveshaft as needed to access all bolts. Keep straps and bolts organized and inspect for wear or damage.
3. 3

   Separate driveshaft from transfer case
   Carefully pry the U-joint caps away from the transfer case yoke using a pry bar. Support the driveshaft to prevent it from falling. The U-joint will separate from the yoke, allowing the rear section of the driveshaft to drop slightly. Secure the driveshaft temporarily with wire or have a helper support it.
   ⚠Do not allow driveshaft to hang unsupported as this can damage the CV joint or transfer case output seal.
4. 4

   Remove front differential end CV joint bolts
   Locate the CV joint flange at the front differential input yoke. Remove the six CV joint bolts using a 13mm socket. These bolts secure the CV joint flange to the front differential yoke. Rotate the driveshaft as needed to access all six bolts. Support the driveshaft weight during removal.
   ℹ️CV joint bolts may have thread locker applied from factory. Additional force may be required for removal.
5. 5

   Remove front driveshaft assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully lower and remove the complete front driveshaft assembly from the vehicle. The driveshaft is approximately 40-50 pounds and awkward to maneuver around suspension components. Guide it carefully past the front suspension arms and remove toward the rear of the vehicle. Place on a clean work surface and inspect all U-joints and CV joint for wear, play, or damage.
   ⚠Driveshaft must be removed as a complete assembly. Do not attempt to separate CV joint or slip yoke during removal unless component replacement is required.
6. 6

   Inspect companion flanges and yokes
   With driveshaft removed, inspect the transfer case output yoke and front differential input yoke for wear, scoring, or damage. Check for excessive play in the transfer case output shaft. Inspect the splines on both yokes for wear. Clean both yokes with a wire brush and remove any debris or old thread locker residue from bolt holes.
7. 7

   Install new driveshaft to front differential
   Position the new or serviced front driveshaft assembly into the vehicle, guiding it carefully past suspension components. Align the CV joint flange with the front differential input yoke, ensuring alignment marks match (if reusing original shaft). Install all six CV joint bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then torque in a star pattern to specification. Apply medium-strength thread locker to bolt threads before installation.
   ⚠Alignment marks must match original orientation. Incorrect phasing will cause vibration.
8. 8

   Connect driveshaft to transfer case
   Lift the rear section of the driveshaft and align the U-joint with the transfer case output yoke. Ensure alignment marks match original orientation. Position the U-joint caps into the yoke and install both U-joint straps. Install all four strap bolts finger-tight initially to ensure proper seating.
9. 9

   Torque U-joint strap bolts
   Torque the four U-joint strap bolts evenly to specification using a torque wrench. Tighten in a cross pattern (one bolt on each strap, then the opposite bolt on each strap) to ensure even clamping force. Apply medium-strength thread locker to bolt threads. Verify the U-joint caps are fully seated in the yoke and straps are centered.
   ⚠Uneven tightening can distort U-joint caps and cause premature failure. Tighten evenly and to proper specification.
10. 10

    Check front differential fluid level
    Remove the front differential fill plug and check fluid level. Fluid should be level with the bottom of the fill hole. Some fluid may have drained during driveshaft removal. Add 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil as needed to bring level to the fill hole. Reinstall fill plug.
11. 11

    Verify installation and clearances
    Rotate the driveshaft by hand through several complete revolutions to verify smooth operation and proper clearance from all suspension components, crossmembers, and exhaust. Check that all U-joint straps are properly seated and all fasteners are tight. Verify no interference exists throughout the full range of motion.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front skid plate if equipped and torque mounting bolts to specification
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Test drive vehicle at various speeds to verify no vibration or noise from driveline
4. Re-torque all driveshaft fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

Verification

• Start engine and shift through all transfer case positions (2H, 4H, 4L) to verify proper engagement
• Test drive vehicle and accelerate smoothly from 0-60 mph, checking for vibration at all speeds
• Listen for any clicking, clunking, or grinding noises from driveline during acceleration and deceleration
• Verify no fluid leaks from front differential after test drive
• Confirm smooth operation in both 2WD and 4WD modes with no binding or vibration

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