How to Install the Universal Joints on the 97 F-150

Universal joints on a 1997 Ford F-150 generally last a long time, as long they remain lubricated. When they lack lubrication, the needle bearings in the universal caps begin to wear, causing the spider between the caps to become loose, resulting in a vibration and squeaking noise at slow speeds. Worn badly enough, the universals can separate and allow the driveshaft to drop. It is a good idea to perform this removal of the joints with the driveshaft end supported on a good size block of wood to make it easier. The bearing caps and spiders must be kept extremely clean so make provisions to do so when preforming this task.

Instructions

Removal

1

Deactivate the air suspension, if equipped, by opening the access panel on the right front kick panel and flipping the switch behind the panel to the "Off" position. Block the front wheels. Raise the rear of the truck and place a jack stand under each axle tube. Lower the truck so it rests on the stands. Place the transmission in neutral. Place the drain pan under the transmission extension housing.

2

Remove the four 12 mm 12-point bolts securing the driveshaft to the pinion flange using a wrench. Match-mark the driveshaft rear flange with the pinion flange for reassembly. Pry the rear universal from the pinion flange using a flat head screwdriver.

3

Pull the driveshaft out of the transmission extension housing. Immediately insert the transmission plug to prevent transmission fluid from leaking. Remove all the snap rings from the top of the universal bearing caps on the front and rear of the driveshaft using snap ring pliers.

4

Match-mark the rear driveshaft flange with the driveshaft bearing cap so you can install the flange in the same location. Match-mark the location of the grease fitting on the driveshaft flange so you can install the universal in the same location and grease it upon reinstallation.

5

Install the universal joint installation tool over the bearing caps on the outer flange. The end with the center shaft has a nose slightly smaller in diameter than the bearing cap. The other end of the tool has a hole slightly larger than the bearing cap so it can be a receiver.

6

Turn the universal joint installation tool's center shaft clockwise with a ratchet to push the bearing cap in under the center shaft and the opposite side out. Stop pressing when the receiver-end bearing cap is three-quarters out of the flange. Remove the tool.

7

Grab the bearing cap that is three-quarters out with a locking pliers and pull it out the rest of the way. Install the tool so that the center shaft passes through the hole in the flange vacated by the bearing cap just removed. Place the tip of the center shaft on the spider and press the opposite bearing cap out. Remove the tool.

8

Slide the rear flange off over the universal joint spider. Install the tool on the driveshaft bearing caps. Turn the center shaft clockwise to press the first bearing cap out. Turn the tool around and pass the center shaft through the hole and press the opposite bearing cap out by pressing on the spider. Remove the universal joint on the front of the driveshaft in the same manner by repeating steps 5 through 8.

Installation

9

Install the universal on the rear of the driveshaft. Remove the bearing caps from the universal joint carefully and lay them bearing opening up. Check that all the needle bearings are in place around the sides.

10

Turn the driveshaft so the first bearing cap can be installed vertically from the bottom. This is to prevent any bearings from falling out. Push the first bearing cap up into the driveshaft from the bottom as far as possible.

11

Install the tool with the center shaft over the bearing. Press the bearing three-quarters of the way into the driveshaft. Position the spider so the grease fitting is aligned with the match-mark. Carefully lower the spider bearing tip into the bearing cap. Make sure that it enters the bearing cap all the way and rotates properly, indicating the bearings are in place.

12

Holding the spider in the partially installed bearing cap, rotate the driveshaft so the bearing cap is at the 9 oclock position. While holding the spider in the bearing cap, install the opposite bearing cap as far as possible by hand. Install the tool to press the second bearing cap into the driveshaft. As the bearing is being pressed in, guide the spider into the second bearing cap but do not remove it completely from the first bearing cap. The idea is to keep part of the spider in the first bearing while guiding the opposite end of the spider into the second bearing to keep the bearings from falling out.

13

Press the bearing cap until it is a 1/4-inch below the driveshaft's surace -- just far enough to install the snap ring -- then install the snap ring, using snap-ring pliers. Once installed, rotate the tool to press in the opposite cap and install the snap ring. Check the joint for smooth rotation.

14

Install a bearing cap in the rear pinion flange. Push it in as far as possible, then use the tool to press it in until it is flush with the top of the flange. Position the flange so it aligns with the match-mark. Moving the flange over the spider, pass the spider through the open hole to position the spider inside the flange.

15

Slide the spider into the bearing cap just installed. Hold it there and install the last bearing cap. Place the tools center shaft over the last bearing cap and press it into the flange. Guide the spider into the incoming bearing.

16

Press the bearing cap in until the snap ring groove is exposed, about a 1/4-inch, and install the snap ring. Flip the tool to final press the opposite bearing cap in the same manner. Install the snap ring in the groove. Rotate the universal joint in all directions to check for smoothness.

17

Repeat steps 1 through 8 to install the front universal joint as used to replace the rear joint. With the grease gun, grease both joints until grease begins to exit around the bearing caps. Spread some anti-seize compound inside the front of the driveshaft extension that slides on the transmission output shaft.

18

Pull the plug out of the transmission tailhousing and install the driveshaft on the output shaft and push it in as far as possible. Lift the driveshaft and rotate it to align the pinion flange with the match-marks with those on the pinion yoke flange. Pull the driveshaft rearward until the flanges make contact. Make sure the four bolt holes align.

19

Install the four bolts and torque them to between 70 and 95 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket. Place the transmission in park. Raise the rear of the truck and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck.

20

Flip the air suspension switch back to the "On" position and close the access panel on the right front kick panel.