2019 F150 front driveshaft rear boot busted and I need to at the least remove the shaft. the bolts on the rear are butt up against what I believe is the head shield. How do I remove these bolts? Do I pry the heatshield away? What is the trick?

 

I don't know, but there are a couple videos on youtube that might help. Google: 2019 F150 front driveshaft removal

 

Are you out of warranty? I just had my front driveshaft replaced by the dealer under warranty for the torn rezeppa joint boot. I have ESP, so it was only $100.

 

Forgive me if this is double posted. I replied on my phone but must not have clicked a button.

I have searched Google/YouTube incessantly, seemingly no one has my bolt pattern. The heat shield is literally against the bolts. I could bang it up as I am replacing the u-joints or driveshaft altogether, but I hate just breaking things to do the job, rather know about how to remove without banging it all up.

 

Lifted truck, driveshaft angle is altered. Think I should still try?

 

is your front diff dropped as part of the lift? If no, then I would try. I have a level kit on mine, but it doesn’t affect the angle/geometry of the transfer case to front diff. That “ heat shield” up against the bolts is just thin stamped metal. I would use a punch to tap it away from the bolt heads to get clearance. It’s junk/damaged anyways and not salvageable.

 

I got my new driveshaft so I could see exactly what I was working with. I had no idea it wasn't a u-joint situation, having not dealt with a driveshaft for nearly 20 years.

For those who don't know, I don't know what to call the joint, but it's steel ***** in a race inside what usually booted (mined ripped) part of the driveshaft. I believe that when I lifted the truck (Fabtech 4") and reinstalled the driveshaft, the shaft was extended potentially enough to stress or pull the ***** out of the race. In turn, the ***** beat around within the aluminum shield pushing it out against the bolts.

Thank you Mielkhntr, you are right! I banged it out of the way and removed the driveshaft very easily. I decided to not install the new shaft until I figure out if there is some extension or if I need to lengthen it.

Any insight on that? Going to call Fabtech first, then post here if I don't get a good answer.

Sorry for the sexy lighting, was working on it in a dark garage (not mine)

 

Thanks for sharing photos. The sheet metal pushed up against the bolts is a pretty interesting side effect of the failure! That was going to be my guess as well, that it is not normal and to do what you can to get the bolts out.

 

I think most lift kits have a front driveshaft spacer supplied with longer bolts. If you don’t have that spacer then I suspect your issues will persist. Check out BDS 4” lift. You’ll see the spacer equipped. I’m not sure about fabtech

 

That will be my first question! I hoped a spacer existed. Thank you all!