How to Replace the Universal Joints on a 2003 F-250
The universal joints on the 2003 Ford F-250 are the main components that turn the driveshaft. The universal joints are attached to each end of the driveshaft. When the engine is cranked and the transmission is engaged, the yoke on the back of the transmission turns the front U-joint that is attached to the front of the driveshaft, which rotates the yoke that is attached to the rear end. The rear end then turns both rear axles so that both rear wheels can turn. Replace the U-joints at the first sign of looseness or slack in the driveshaft.
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Things You'll Need
- Wheel chocks
- Chalk
- 1/2-inch drive ratchet
- 1/2-inch drive 12-point socket set
- Hand held sledge hammer
- Vise
- Snap ring pliers
- New U-joints
Instructions
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1
Park the truck on a flat surface and turn the engine off. Position the wheel chocks in the front of and behind both front wheels.
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2
Slide under the truck near the driver side door and locate the end of the driveshaft that is attached to the yoke on the back of the transmission. Mark the top of the transmission yoke and the top of the driveshaft with a piece of chalk so that the driveshaft will be reinstalled in the same direction that it came out.
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3
Remove the 3/8-inch strap bolts from the universal joint straps that secure the driveshaft to the transmission yoke with a ratchet and a 3/8-inch, 12-point socket. Pull back on the driveshaft with your hands until there is enough room to lower the end of it to the ground. If the driveshaft slide is stuck, tap the end of it with a hammer until there is enough room to lower its end to the ground. Do not hit the ears of the driveshaft. Tap the top middle portion of it.
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4
Move to the back side of the driveshaft and remove the 3/8-inch strap bolts from the end of the driveshaft that is connected to the yoke on the rear end. Use the ratchet and the same 3/8-inch, 12-point socket. Pull the universal joint out of the rear end yoke and lower the driveshaft to the ground. Slide the entire unit out from under the truck.
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5
Place one end of the driveshaft into a vise with one of the universal joints pointing upward and the other end of the universal joint pointing downward. Remove the snap rings from both ends of the universal joint with the snap ring pliers.
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6
Find a socket that will fit over the end of the universal joint cap and also fits into the hole of the driveshaft ear. Place the end of the socket over the top universal joint cap and tap the top of the socket with the hammer until the bottom cap is completely out of the bottom driveshaft ear.
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7
Loosen the vise and turn the driveshaft over so that the exposed universal joint end is pointing upward. Tighten the vise. Place the socket over the exposed end of the U-joint and tap the top of the socket with the hammer until the other U-joint cap is completely out of the bottom of the driveshaft ear or out far enough to wiggle the universal joint free from the driveshaft. Remove the universal joint from the end of the driveshaft.
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8
Insert the new universal joint into the driveshaft ear. Place a cap onto the top end of the universal joint and tap it onto the end of the universal joint with the hammer until it is completely on the end of the joint. Insert the snap ring into the groove above the cap with the snap ring pliers. Turn the driveshaft over and tap the other cap onto the other end of the driveshaft. Insert the snap ring into the groove above the cap with the snap ring pliers.
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9
Loosen the vise and rotate the driveshaft so that its other end is in the vise. Tighten the vise and repeat the process described above. Slide the driveshaft with the new U-joints back under the truck.
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10
Reattach the front end of the driveshaft to the transmission yoke with both chalk marks matching up with one another. Place the straps over the new U-joints and screw the strap bolts through the straps. Tighten the strap bolts with the ratchet and socket. Tighten the strap bolts to between 20 and 25 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
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11
Move to the rear end and reattach the back of the driveshaft to the rear end yoke. Place the straps over the new U-joints and screw the strap bolts through the straps. Tighten the strap bolts down tight with the ratchet and socket. Tighten the strap bolts to between 20 and 25 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
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12
Remove the wheel chocks from both front wheels. Drive the truck for about ten minutes, then part it and recheck the torque of the strap bolts.
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Tips & Warnings
You can use a 1/2-inch drive breaker bar if the strap bolts are too tight for the 1/2-inch drive ratchet. The strap bolts are 12-point bolts, so the 12-point socket set will be needed.
Wear safety glasses when hammering on the u-joint and the socket.
Be sure to use wheel chocks to prevent the truck from rolling while you are under it.
