I've got an 04 f150 with the 4x4 and 145" wheelbase. Any suggestions of how to get around replacing the entire shaft with another that can't have the u-joint replaced? I'd like to have on that can be replaced. I'm all for cheaper preventative maintenance instead of after the fact. Any help is great, as always. Thanks.

 

Why cant you replace the u joint? If it is the original joint it is probably held by an epoxy glue. you should be able to heat it enough to soften the glue then press it out clean off any remaining glue and the new u joint kit should have the snap rings to install it. Bubbabud

 

In that model it's a solid piece driveshaft. They press fit the caps in so it was easier to manufacture. It stumped me and a truck mechanic with 20 years experience. The only way to replace a faulty u joint is the whole deal. Figure since I have to, I'd upgrade it to one that cud be replaceable. Any thoughts?

 

I dont think so I have been wrong in the past but I still believe if you heat them you can press them apart and the yoke is already machined for the snap rings when you clean out the epoxy.Bubbabud

 

We got it apart. Got the listed part into it, but it didn't fit. Then, recontacted their distributor, asked my wheelbase and found out that it's only gets replaced as a whole. Ive found replacement units but I'd rather have the other way.

 

I just read the Ford workshop manual for this and it requires a ford kit to cut the staking (8 stakes per bore on steel shafts and 12 on aluminum) from the bearing cap bore holes then the caps are removed like normal and the replacements come with snap rings

 

Did it happen to mention the replacement part number?