This procedure covers the removal and replacement of universal joints (U-joints) on the front or rear driveshaft of a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Universal joint (U-joint) × 1 — Spicer 5-153X or equivalent 1310/1330 series
• U-joint strap bolts/nuts (if reusing is not recommended) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Snaprings or C-clips (often included with U-joint) × 4 — Included with U-joint kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Raise vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails
4. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if working on rear driveshaft
5. Spray penetrating oil on U-joint strap bolts and yoke connections, allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a marker or paint pen, mark the relationship between the driveshaft and the yoke at both ends (transmission/transfer case end and differential end). Also mark the position of the driveshaft halves if working on a two-piece rear driveshaft. These alignment marks are critical for maintaining driveline balance and preventing vibration after reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove driveshaft
   Remove the U-joint strap bolts at both ends of the driveshaft (or the section being serviced). Support the driveshaft with one hand while removing the final bolts. Carefully slide the slip yoke out of the transmission or transfer case, keeping it level to avoid spilling fluid. If removing the rear driveshaft on a two-piece design, remove center bearing mounting bolts first. Place driveshaft on clean workbench.
   ⚠Some transmission fluid may drain from the tail housing when slip yoke is removed. Have a drain pan ready.
   Torque spec

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

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove U-joint snaprings or C-clips
   Locate the snaprings or C-clips that retain the U-joint bearing caps in the yoke. Use snapring pliers or a small screwdriver to carefully remove all four retaining rings. Place them in a container as they may be reused if not damaged. Note the orientation and type of retainer (internal snapring vs external C-clip) as this varies by application.
4. 4

   Press out U-joint bearing caps
   Position the driveshaft yoke in a U-joint press or secure it in a vise. Select a socket slightly smaller than the bearing cap to use as a driver, and a socket slightly larger than the cap to receive it on the opposite side. Carefully press one bearing cap out until it protrudes enough to grip with pliers or vice grips. Remove the cap completely. Rotate the driveshaft 180 degrees and press the opposite cap out. Once two opposing caps are removed, the U-joint cross can be pulled from the yoke and the remaining two caps removed. Repeat for the second yoke if replacing multiple U-joints.
   ⚠Apply pressure slowly and evenly. If cap does not move, tap yoke ears lightly with brass hammer to break corrosion free. Do not force or you may damage the yoke.
5. 5

   Clean yoke bores
   Thoroughly clean the bearing cap bores in both yokes using a wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, corrosion, old grease, and debris. Inspect the yoke ears for cracks, elongated holes, or damage. The bearing cap bores should be smooth and round. Any damage to the yoke requires driveshaft replacement.
6. 6

   Prepare new U-joint
   Remove new U-joint from packaging. Most U-joints come pre-assembled with bearing caps held in place by plastic retainers or tape. Do not remove the bearing caps yet. If the U-joint has a grease fitting, ensure it will be accessible once installed. Orient the U-joint cross so the grease fitting (if equipped) will be accessible from the outside of the driveshaft assembly.
7. 7

   Install U-joint into first yoke
   Remove one pair of bearing caps (on opposing sides) from the U-joint cross. Insert the cross into the first yoke, then carefully start one bearing cap into its bore by hand, ensuring needle bearings remain in place. Use the U-joint press or C-clamp to press the cap in until it is flush with the snapring groove. Install the snapring or C-clip into the groove. Rotate 180 degrees and press the opposite bearing cap in, again seating it until the snapring groove is visible. Install the second snapring or C-clip. Verify both caps are fully seated and snaprings are properly engaged in their grooves.
   ⚠Ensure needle bearings stay in place inside the caps. If bearings fall out, they must be carefully reinstalled with grease before proceeding.
8. 8

   Install U-joint into second yoke
   Position the second yoke over the remaining two trunnions of the U-joint cross. Remove the plastic retainers or tape from the remaining bearing caps. Align the yoke and carefully start one bearing cap into its bore. Press the cap in until the snapring groove is visible and install the snapring or C-clip. Repeat for the fourth and final bearing cap. Ensure all four snaprings or C-clips are properly seated. The U-joint should move freely through its full range of motion without binding.
9. 9

   Lubricate U-joint
   If the new U-joint is equipped with a grease fitting, use a grease gun to pump fresh chassis grease into the fitting until grease begins to appear at all four bearing cap seals. Wipe away excess grease. This ensures the U-joint is properly lubricated and purges any air from the assembly. If installing a sealed U-joint, no lubrication is required.
10. 10

    Reinstall driveshaft
    Carefully slide the slip yoke back into the transmission or transfer case, ensuring splines engage properly. Align the driveshaft to the yokes at both ends using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Position the U-joint straps and install the strap bolts finger-tight. If working on a two-piece rear driveshaft, install center bearing mounting bolts first. Tighten all U-joint strap bolts evenly in a cross pattern to the specified torque. Double-check that alignment marks are properly matched.
    ⚠Misalignment of driveshaft components will cause severe vibration. Verify all alignment marks match before final tightening.
    Torque spec

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

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all U-joint strap bolts are torqued evenly in a cross pattern to prevent binding
2. Verify driveshaft rotates freely by hand without binding or rough spots
3. If slip yoke was fully removed, check transmission/transfer case fluid level and top off if necessary
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and shift through all gears to verify smooth operation
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (15-65 mph) to check for vibration, clunking, or binding
• Listen for any unusual noises during acceleration, deceleration, and turning
• Re-check all U-joint strap bolt torque after first 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect for any fluid leaks at slip yoke seal if it was disturbed during removal

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