Freddy Crewger

I got a a bad U Joint on my front shaft but plan on replacing both of them and got a bad one on the rear end of the rear shaft.
I'm planning on doing them just in my driveway and looking for info on making the job go easier with tips or links with pics or videos.
A BIG THANKS in advance I'm planning on doing the front shaft first

texasedition

A C-Clamp, rubber mallet with skinny head, PB Blaster, and snap ring pliers. I would spray them with some PB Blaster let it sit over night. Remove all the snap rings. Hit one side of the u joint till the cap pops out the other side. before you put the new ujoint in clean any rust with some sandpaper.

Freddy Crewger

I had some time to look under the truck today and tried the bolts on the front shaft after soaking them overnight but they really only came loose after heating them up with some MAPP gas so I got the front bolts loosened on the front of the front shaft but on the back of the front shaft there is a round shroud covering the U Joint and I can see one bolt holding this cover. Does this cover come off to get to the bolts?
Just getting things ready so I can do this this week sometime

Freddy Crewger

I got a pic of the cover that is over the U Joint. I took off the one bolt that I can see on the bottom but it wont slide forward. It seems like there is another on top but I can't see anything because there is no room to see anything. Or does it just slide out of the transfer case once I have the front of the drive shaft unbolted?

Freddy Crewger

Ok I've searched and searched on here and Google I can't find any info on removing the front drive axle on a 2003 F150.

Freddy Crewger

Also can I take out the front shaft and drive without 4X4?

fernesto

Your front drive shaft should just side out of the transfer case and the differential, or at least mine did. Yes you can drive without 4x4 because the front drive shaft only spins when engaged. your front cv axles will still spin, but thats ok

Freddy Crewger

Thanks

Freddy Crewger

Also do I need to index it to make sure it goes in the same way it came out and do I need to be concerned with this for a balance issue?

My03fx4

Yes index the shafts with a Sharpie or something, they only go in one way. And it makes it easier instead of having to spin the shaft a bunch of times.