I have a squeak when in reverse and a 2004 Screw Lariat with Ford's brilliantly designed driveshaft

What are my options for replacing these? I have seen kits that come with the tool to cut the stakes out, is there a joint out there that you can get with out the tool? Whats the point in having 3 tools to do all three joints?

I have been looking around for an '06 - '08 driveshaft in the boneyards, without much luck. From what I understand 04 - 08 is the same shaft, Ford didnt even change the part number.

So what has everyone else done? I hope I get this figured out before I shoot it out the rear of the truck and get to buy a whole new shaft.

I would also LOVE to know the name of the rocket scientist that came up with this idea.

 

Upon further research, I have found that Autozone and O'Reilly Auto Parts list a normal U-joint for these trucks. Advance Auto Parts shows the kit with the tools to restake the joints.

so.....wtf? anyone know?

 

i replaced my drive shaft even had it custom made longer for my lift its not worth putting those ujoints in from auto zone or what ever cause they are like 95$ a pieace...the u joints i have in my new drive shaft are like 20 or so a pieace definatly a lot better

 

oh and these ones in my new drive shaft are serviceable and not the stupid cut out ones major PITA

 

AZ & O'Reilly are probably looking at the "Heritage", not the "New body" '04. I can't imagine how they could list a normal u-joint for the '04 NB.

 

I haven't given my u-joints a thought at all...till now!! Thanks for the heads up! In my opinion, new serviceable u-joints on a new driveshaft is a viable option. A while back, a member posted this site: Driveshaft Specialists

Although once replaced, you'll probably not need to replace them again for the life of the truck, it's nice to have peace of mind, especially if towing on a road trip.

 

iirc, it listed heritage as an option when i was telling it which truck i had...lots of differences between them.

heres the odd thing, the $95 one at Advance is part number 3-0488 and is made by Neapco. The one at Autozone is Duralast and is part number 3-0488DL and is $8.99. The difference in the picture is the Autozone one doesnt come with the tool to restake it, the Advance one does.

None of the parts stores have any other information

I will not be buying a new driveshaft, junkyard one from an 06 -08 maybe. I have a buddy that is a machinist and he is telling me to just get the regular one and we can make it work......does nobody have any actual experience with these other than buying a new driveshaft?

 

just a thought you might consider having the drive shaft balanced after the u-joint installation.