Thursday, September 15, 2011

How do I change the driveshaft in my '86 F-150 4x4?

The rear driveshaft in my truck twisted in the middle. The U-joints are new...but Im not much of a mechanic. How do I change it out?
How do I change the driveshaft in my '86 F-150 4x4?
If it has the flange type connection it should be very basic. There should be four 12mm twelve point bolts holding the driveshaft to the companion flange on the rear axle. Simply remove the four bolts and the driveshaft should slide out. Installation would be the reverse of removal.
How do I change the driveshaft in my '86 F-150 4x4?
It's actually very easy. There are 2 bolts on either sides of the shaft. take them off, and the shaft should slip out very easily. Change the universal joints, put a little lube on them, slide it back in place (make sure it goes back in the same as when you took it off), and put the bolts back in place.
Unfortunately, no specific info on the net that I could find, but general F150 stuff:



Obviously, the manual would help:

http://www.themotorbookstore.com/expedit鈥?/a>



But online, here's a bunch of tech tips:

http://4wheeldrive.about.com/gi/dynamic/鈥?/a>
Jack the rear up and place it on jack stands.(never ever get under your truck when its on the jack only.)

Look at the rear differential ,you will see C clamps holding the U joint to the diff and the drive shaft. Remove the nuts and slide the U joint out of the diff. pull drive shaft straight back out of the transfer case. Your done.----Good Luck
i own a repair shop,and just remove the two rear caps that hold the u joint in the rear differential,and then pull it out,,have a pan ready it will loose some fluid ,but not much,,then just replace it with another one ,,or take the u-joints out and use them in another drive shaft,,other wise its not a hard job at all,make sure you have the wheels blocked so it wont roll-on you ,or use the emergency brake on it,,other wise its an easy ob to do,,good luck with it,i hope this help,s.,,have a good x-mas.