I am inquiring to see about the difficulty with replacing the front and rear u-joints to the drive shaft. I had my truck to a local garage and they said that it could be very expensive with replacing it. They said the u-joint has some play. Also I hear a click when I put the truck in park to reverse. Is it bad? I had the truck checked before I made the long trek back to my home and the technician said that it don't have much play. Will they worsen over a period of two weeks? My truck is a 2003 4x4 XLT with 113,000 kms. Looking for feedback.

 

When you do it make sure you get it balanced also

 

As good of instruction as you can get on the internet. In addition to this, I would soak the ears of the drive shaft in PB Blaster once a day for a couple of days before you start. Then coat the inside of the ears with anti seize before you put the new ones in. It helps get things moving and makes changing them next time easier. I was a Jeep guy and always did it like this and could even do it on the trail with a big c-clamp style ball joint service tool that I kept in my tool box in the Jeep. The anti seize would keep it so clean and rust free it was usually harder getting the stupid retainer clips out than it was changing the u-joint itself..

I'd also wrap the sides of the joint you are not going to press into the ears of the shaft with masking tape to hold the caps in place and not risk getting dirt in them or dropping one of the needles from inside the cap. I would not buy low quality off the shelf u-joints. It will be worth the effort to find Dana/Spicer u=joints. You probably don't need ones that have the grease zerks in them, just get sealed ones unless you wheel your truck and or drive it in deep water a lot or just like to have more crap to grease when you change your oil.

Your first time might take you 30 - 45 minutes, the second one maybe 10 minutes once you see how easy it really is. Assuming that since you're asking about how to do something like this your a somewhat capable wrench guy.

http://youtu.be/mGKX6kwKvSE

 

Ford u-joints last along time.. That said if you replace them your self you can save money but they are a CRITICAL part. Make DARN sure you get them in right. Having one fail from not getting it done right is very unpleasant. Been there done that.. Make absolutely sure the u-bolts are torqued correctly and the clamps are seated all the way. If you have the money or if your less then very good with a wrench pay to have it done..

 

Its a frustrating job. The hardest part is gettin the old ones out. Then the instillation of the new ones isnt bad just gotta make sure u dont fold over any needle bearings or you will be wasting your time trying to seat the bearing cap. I just took my time and did both rear drive shaft u joints, i didnt bother with the front since 4 wheel drive isnt used all the time like the rear is. Btw i used a ball joint press to get the old ones out worked like a charm and the u joint closest to the rear diff was so shot, the needle bearings were rusted out and falling apart as i was taking it apart. I feel alot safer driving it with new u joints.