This procedure covers the removal and replacement of universal joints (U-joints) in the rear driveshaft of a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost RWD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Universal joint(s) × 2 — Use OEM specification or Spicer SPL series
• U-joint strap bolts (if reuse not recommended) × 8 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
5. Verify rear driveshaft U-joints are worn by checking for play or binding while rotating shaft

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a marker or paint pen, mark the relationship between the driveshaft yoke and the differential pinion flange, and between the driveshaft slip yoke and the transmission output shaft. Also mark the relationship between driveshaft sections if servicing center U-joint. These marks ensure proper phasing during reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove rear driveshaft mounting
   Remove the four U-joint strap bolts connecting the driveshaft to the rear differential pinion flange. Support the driveshaft to prevent it from dropping. The straps secure the U-joint caps to the flange.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove driveshaft from vehicle
   Slide the driveshaft rearward to separate the slip yoke from the transmission output shaft. Lower the rear of the driveshaft and carefully remove it from under the vehicle. Keep the shaft level to prevent U-joint caps from falling off. Place driveshaft on a clean workbench.
   ⚠Support driveshaft weight during removal to avoid damage to slip yoke seal or transmission output shaft.
4. 4

   Remove U-joint snap rings
   Identify which U-joint(s) need replacement. Using snap ring pliers, remove the internal or external snap rings (depending on yoke design) from all four sides of the U-joint. Clean the yoke bores with a wire brush and inspect for damage or excessive wear.
5. 5

   Press out old U-joint
   Place the driveshaft yoke in a U-joint press or position it in a vise with adequate support. Using the press or C-clamp method with appropriately sized sockets, press one bearing cap out of the yoke. Rotate the shaft 180 degrees and press the opposite cap out. Remove the U-joint cross from the yoke, then press out the remaining two caps.
   ⚠Apply pressure slowly and evenly. Cocked or misaligned pressure can damage yoke ears.
6. 6

   Clean yoke and inspect
   Thoroughly clean all yoke bores with a wire brush and shop towels. Inspect yoke ears for cracks, deformation, or excessive wear. Check snap ring grooves for damage. If yoke damage is present, driveshaft replacement may be required. Ensure all old snap ring debris is removed.
7. 7

   Prepare new U-joint for installation
   Remove one bearing cap from the new U-joint cross, keeping track of all needle bearings. If caps have been removed during shipping, verify all needle bearings are present (typically 26-32 per cap depending on size) and are properly seated in grease inside the cap.
8. 8

   Install U-joint cross into yoke
   Insert the U-joint cross into the yoke with one cap removed. Position the cross so the grease fitting (if equipped) is accessible. Start one bearing cap into the yoke bore by hand, ensuring needle bearings stay in place. The cross trunnion should enter the bearing cap as you press it in.
9. 9

   Press first bearing cap
   Using the U-joint press or C-clamp with socket, carefully press the first bearing cap into the yoke until it is fully seated and the snap ring groove is visible. Apply even pressure and ensure the cap does not cock in the bore. If resistance is excessive, remove and check for misaligned needle bearings.
10. 10

    Install opposite bearing cap
    Install the opposite bearing cap (previously removed) onto the exposed trunnion. Press it into the yoke bore until it seats and the snap ring groove is exposed. The U-joint cross should move freely in both caps without binding. If binding occurs, remove and reinstall.
11. 11

    Install snap rings and complete U-joint
    Install snap rings into the grooves on both installed bearing caps. Ensure snap rings are fully seated in their grooves. Repeat the installation process for the remaining two bearing caps on the opposite yoke. After all four caps and snap rings are installed, verify the U-joint moves freely without binding or excessive play.
12. 12

    Reinstall driveshaft to vehicle
    Carefully slide the driveshaft slip yoke into the transmission output shaft, ensuring splines engage properly. Align the rear U-joint with the differential pinion flange according to the alignment marks made during removal. Support the driveshaft weight during installation.
13. 13

    Install U-joint straps and torque
    Position the U-joint straps over the bearing caps at the differential flange. Install the strap bolts and tighten evenly in a cross pattern to avoid cocking the caps. Torque bolts to specification in multiple passes to ensure even seating.
    ⚠Tighten strap bolts evenly in a cross pattern. Uneven tightening can damage bearing caps or cause vibration.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Verify installation and test
    Rotate the driveshaft by hand to verify smooth operation with no binding or roughness. Check that all snap rings are fully seated and strap bolts are properly torqued. Lower vehicle and test drive at various speeds, listening for vibration or unusual noises that could indicate improper phasing or installation issues.

Reassembly

1. Ensure alignment marks match exactly during driveshaft installation to maintain factory balance and phasing
2. Verify all snap rings are fully seated in their grooves before driving vehicle
3. Check that slip yoke is properly engaged with transmission output shaft with adequate spline engagement

Verification

• Rotate driveshaft by hand to confirm smooth operation without binding
• Verify no excessive play in new U-joints while checking rotational movement
• Test drive vehicle at speeds from 20-60 mph and verify no vibration, clunking, or unusual noises
• Perform final visual inspection of all strap bolts and ensure proper torque
• If vibration is present after replacement, recheck alignment marks and U-joint phasing

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