This procedure covers the removal and replacement of universal joints (U-joints) on the rear driveshaft of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine and RWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Universal joint (U-joint) × 1 — Spicer 5-760X or equivalent
• U-joint strap bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification
• U-joint snap rings (if internal type) × 4 — Included with U-joint kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support with jack stands at frame rails
4. Place transmission in neutral to allow driveshaft rotation for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a marking pen or paint marker, make alignment marks across the driveshaft slip yoke, driveshaft tube, and rear differential pinion yoke. These marks must align during reinstallation to maintain driveline balance and prevent vibration.
2. 2

   Remove rear driveshaft U-joint straps
   Remove the four bolts securing the U-joint straps at the rear differential pinion yoke. Note the orientation of the straps for reassembly. Support the rear of the driveshaft to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

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

   Lower and remove driveshaft
   Carefully lower the rear of the driveshaft and push forward to compress the slip yoke. Rotate and maneuver the driveshaft to clear the pinion yoke, then slide the driveshaft rearward out of the transmission extension housing. Place driveshaft on a clean work surface. Note: Some transmission fluid may drip from the extension housing.
4. 4

   Identify failed U-joint and remove snap rings
   Inspect all U-joints for wear, roughness, or play. Using needle nose pliers, remove the internal snap rings (circlips) that retain the U-joint bearing caps in the yoke ears. There are typically four snap rings per U-joint. Clean the yoke bores with a wire brush.
   ℹ️Some U-joints use external C-clips instead of internal snap rings. Identify your type before proceeding.
5. 5

   Press out old U-joint bearing caps
   Using a U-joint press or C-clamp with appropriately sized sockets, press one bearing cap partially out of the yoke. The smaller socket should contact the bearing cap being pressed out, while the larger socket receives the cap on the opposite side. Once the cap is partially out, grip it with pliers and remove completely. Rotate the driveshaft and repeat for the remaining three caps. Remove the U-joint cross from the yoke.
   ⚠Keep socket aligned straight with bearing cap to avoid damaging yoke ears. Do not strike yoke ears directly with a hammer as this can cause permanent damage.
6. 6

   Clean yoke bores
   Thoroughly clean all four bearing cap bores in the yoke using a wire brush. Remove any rust, old grease, or debris. Inspect yoke ears for cracks, damage, or excessive wear. Replace driveshaft if yoke is damaged.
7. 7

   Prepare new U-joint
   Remove one bearing cap from the new U-joint cross and verify needle bearings are properly positioned with grease. Do not allow bearing caps to separate completely or needle bearings may fall out and become misaligned.
8. 8

   Install new U-joint into yoke
   Insert the U-joint cross into the yoke with one bearing cap removed. Align the cross trunnion with the yoke bore. Start one bearing cap into its bore by hand, ensuring it enters straight. Using the U-joint press or C-clamp, press the bearing cap into the yoke until it is fully seated and the snap ring groove is visible. Install the snap ring into the groove.
9. 9

   Install remaining bearing caps
   Rotate the driveshaft 180 degrees. Start the opposite bearing cap by hand and press it into position until the snap ring groove is visible. Install the snap ring. Repeat this process for the remaining two bearing caps, ensuring all four snap rings are properly seated in their grooves. Verify the U-joint cross rotates freely in all directions without binding.
10. 10

    Reinstall driveshaft to vehicle
    Slide the front slip yoke of the driveshaft into the transmission extension housing, ensuring the splines engage fully. Rotate the rear pinion yoke to align the U-joint bearing caps with the yoke ears. Lift the rear of the driveshaft into position, aligning all previously made reference marks.
11. 11

    Install U-joint straps and torque fasteners
    Position the U-joint straps over the bearing caps at the rear differential. Install the four strap bolts and tighten evenly in a criss-cross pattern to the specified torque. Ensure straps are properly seated and bearing caps are not pinched or damaged.
    ⚠Tighten strap bolts evenly to prevent distorting bearing caps. Uneven tightening can cause premature U-joint failure.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify installation and lower vehicle
    Rotate the driveshaft by hand through several complete rotations to verify smooth operation with no binding or noise. Check that all alignment marks match. Verify all fasteners are torqued and no tools or parts are left under the vehicle. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to the ground.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all alignment marks match exactly to prevent driveline vibration
2. Verify U-joint strap bolts are torqued evenly and to specification
3. Confirm driveshaft rotates freely with no binding or unusual noise

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual vibrations at idle in Park
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (15-65 mph) and verify no driveline vibration, clunking, or unusual noises during acceleration, deceleration, or coasting
• Re-check U-joint strap bolt torque after initial test drive (25-50 miles)
• Verify no transmission fluid leaks from extension housing seal

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