Howdy all.

Quick question, I have an 88 f150 2wd long bed Custom. I am wanting to replace the drive shaft u-joints to hopefully help with a bit of trans vibration, and have noticed that my drive shaft does not connect to the rear diff with a flange like most show, but rather a couple of u-clamps over the u-joint at the rear diff.

The question is, am I missing something? Do I just unbolt the clamps, slide it back into the trans a bit and drop it down? Just can't find anything specific to this one. All the videos show a flange, and i've got no budget for a manual.

Am I overthinking this?

Thanks in advance.

 

Your flange is sticking out of the diff facing the transmission....
Not sure on all the years & when it changed but it was quite common back in the day for that exact combo !!
As you said remove the "C" clamps & slightly slide the shaft back & it will fall out the flange holders
Don't beat to hard on the joint cups but it was not uncommon for them to be kinda stuck in the diff flanges ..."

 

Thanks! Much appreciated! Will update when I complete this repair....

 

Note
Those are bigger caps under those U bolts
That style uses a non symmetric u joint where 2 caps are bigger for that one rear u joint

 

THANKS FOR THE REMINDER!!!!! Pulled out the calipers and measured the caps. One side is 1.06, the other 1.12... Ordered from RockAuto... Thanks again!