Initial disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Do not, under any circumstance, clamp the driveshaft in the jaws of a vise or similar holding fixture. Denting or localizing fracture can result, causing driveshaft failure during vehicle operation.

Place the driveshaft on a suitable workbench. Do not damage the tube.

NOTE: If components are not marked and installed incorrectly, driveline imbalance can occur.

Fig 1: Index-Marking Driveshaft Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Index-mark the driveshaft components.
Remove and discard all four of the snap rings.

Fig 2: Removing & Discarding All Four Snap Rings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Clamp the special tool in a vise.

Fig 3: Clamping Special Tool In A Vise
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Bearing cup removal

NOTE: If necessary, use a pair of pliers to remove a bearing cup that fails to press out all the way.

Remove the bearing cups and the flange.
1. Position the flange in the special tool.
2. Press out a bearing cup.
3. Rotate the flange 180 degrees.
4. Press on the spider to remove the remaining bearing cup.
5. Remove the flange.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Bearing Cups & Flange
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Final disassembly
Repeat Bearing cup removal in this procedure to remove the remaining bearing cups and the spider from the driveshaft.

Fig 5: Removing Bearing Cups & Spider From Driveshaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Clean the yoke area at the end of the driveshaft.