I noticed a squeak when I was backing the truck into the garage today, so I got underneath and found this...a seal of some sort going bad? U-joints are original as well, 130k on them. I figured they would need to be changed, but what else is going on?

 

looks like a bad pinion seal. Pretty common. Pretty easy to fix too.

 

Is it possible to change out withoug having to changeout the fluid, was just done a few thousand miles ago, hate to have to do it again.

 

You might lose a little but no biggie.. Try to change it out on a slant and you wont lose as much.

 

Make sure to use the Ford special tools for seal removal: hammer and vise grips [ photo from Ford service DVD]

 

Drive up on ramps and chock the rears

 

Sweet! I happen to have those tools! So I just checked Summit for U joints...apparently there is about 9 different options. Anyone have some numbers to help me pick the right one...style 1350 I think...1.188 or 0.190....3.662?.... Luckily they have pinion seals as well.

 

I would check with the dealership parts department for the correct part number then cross reference it with the other suppliers.