This procedure covers the replacement of universal joints (U-joints) on the driveshaft of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine and rear-wheel drive configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driveshaft U-joint kit (includes caps and snap rings) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Spicer 5-760X equivalent
• Driveshaft U-joint strap bolts (if reusing straps) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
5. Apply penetrating oil to driveshaft U-joint strap bolts and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Use a paint marker or scribe to mark the relationship between the driveshaft yoke and the differential pinion yoke. Also mark the driveshaft slip yoke orientation to the driveshaft tube. This ensures correct phasing during reinstallation to prevent vibration.
2. 2

   Remove driveshaft from differential
   Remove the four U-joint strap bolts at the differential yoke. Support the driveshaft with one hand while removing the final bolt. Lower the rear of the driveshaft and slide it rearward to disengage the slip yoke from the transmission. Place a drain pan underneath as residual transmission fluid may drip from the slip yoke.
   ⚠Support the driveshaft to prevent it from falling when the final strap bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove driveshaft from vehicle
   Carefully remove the driveshaft from under the vehicle. Place it on a clean workbench with the U-joint to be replaced accessible. Inspect the slip yoke seal surface for wear or damage.
4. 4

   Remove U-joint snap rings
   Using snap ring pliers, remove the four internal snap rings that retain the U-joint bearing caps in the yoke. Note the orientation and position of each snap ring. Some snap rings may be located in grooves on the bearing cap itself rather than in the yoke.
   ⚠Snap rings are under tension and may spring out. Wear eye protection and control the pliers carefully.
5. 5

   Press out first U-joint bearing cap
   Position the yoke in a U-joint press or use a C-clamp with appropriately sized sockets. Place a larger socket on one side to receive the bearing cap being pressed out, and a smaller socket on the opposite cap to apply pressure. Press the U-joint slowly until the first bearing cap is pushed out far enough to grip with pliers or fully expelled into the receiving socket.
6. 6

   Remove remaining bearing caps
   Rotate the driveshaft and repeat the pressing process for the remaining bearing caps. Once two opposite caps are removed, the U-joint cross can be tilted and removed from the yoke. Remove the final two caps. Clean the yoke bores thoroughly with a wire brush, removing any rust, burrs, or debris.
   ℹ️Keep track of removed snap rings and note their positions if they differ in size or type.
7. 7

   Prepare new U-joint for installation
   Remove one bearing cap from the new U-joint assembly. Verify that needle bearings are properly seated in grease within the remaining caps. Position the U-joint cross into the yoke, aligning one trunnion with the bore. Insert the cross partially into the yoke.
8. 8

   Install first bearing cap
   Start the first bearing cap into the yoke bore by hand, ensuring the U-joint cross trunnion enters the cap properly. Use the U-joint press or C-clamp to carefully press the bearing cap into position until it is flush with the snap ring groove. Do not press beyond the snap ring groove.
   ⚠Press slowly and ensure the cap goes in straight. If resistance is felt, stop and check for misalignment or displaced needle bearings.
9. 9

   Install opposite bearing cap and remaining caps
   Remove the bearing cap from the opposite side of the new U-joint cross. Install it into the yoke from the opposite side, pressing it until flush with the snap ring groove. Install snap rings on both caps, ensuring they are fully seated in their grooves. Repeat this process for the remaining two bearing caps on the perpendicular axis.
10. 10

    Verify U-joint installation
    After all four snap rings are installed, verify that the U-joint rotates freely in both planes without binding. Check that all snap rings are fully seated and that bearing caps do not have excessive play. The U-joint should move smoothly with slight resistance from the grease.
11. 11

    Reinstall driveshaft
    Slide the driveshaft slip yoke into the transmission extension housing, aligning your reference marks. Rotate the driveshaft to align the rear yoke with the differential pinion yoke, matching your alignment marks. Install the U-joint straps and start all four bolts by hand before tightening.
12. 12

    Torque U-joint strap bolts
    Tighten the U-joint strap bolts evenly in a cross pattern to the specified torque. This ensures even loading on the U-joint and prevents distortion of the bearing caps.
    ℹ️Tighten bolts gradually in multiple passes to reach final torque value evenly.
    Torque spec

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

Reassembly

1. Verify all alignment marks match original positions to prevent driveline vibration
2. Check that slip yoke engagement depth is correct and transmission fluid is at proper level
3. Inspect driveshaft boots and slip yoke seal for damage
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual vibrations at idle in Park and Drive
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (20-65 mph) and verify no vibration or unusual noises from driveline
• Listen for clicking or clunking during acceleration and deceleration which would indicate U-joint binding or improper installation
• Verify no transmission fluid leaks from slip yoke area after test drive

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