Driveshaft Universal Joint - Single Cardan, Slip Yoke: Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Bearing cup installation

NOTE: Install the Universal Joint Kits as complete assemblies only. Do not mix components from other Kits.

Install a new spider and bearing cup.
1. Start a new bearing cup in the shaft yoke.
  - Check the needle bearings for correct positioning.
2. Position the new spider in the shaft yoke.
3. Press the bearing cup to just below the snap ring groove.
  
  Fig 1: Installing Spider And Bearing Cup
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Use the yellow snap rings supplied in the kit to assemble the universal joint (U-joint). If difficulty is encountered with the yellow snap rings, install the black snap rings.

Fig 2: Removing Shaft From Special Tool And Installing Snap Ring

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the shaft from the special tool, and install the new snap ring.
Opposite bearing cup installation
Repeat Bearing cup installation in this procedure to install the new bearing cup and snap ring on the opposite side of the shaft yoke.

Fig 3: Installing Bearing Cup And Snap Ring On Opposite Side Of Shaft Yoke
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Slip-yoke installation
Inspect the driveshaft slip-yoke. Install a new yoke, if necessary.
Install the driveshaft slip-yoke and new bearing cup.
1. Start a new bearing cup in the driveshaft slip-yoke.
  - Check the needle bearings for correct positioning.
2. Position the driveshaft slip-yoke on the spider.
3. Position the assembly in the special tool.
4. Press the bearing cup to just below the snap ring groove.
  
  Fig 4: Installing Driveshaft Slip-Yoke And Bearing Cup
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the shaft from the special tool, and install the new snap ring.

Fig 5: Removing Shaft From Special Tool And Installing Snap Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Opposite bearing cup installation
Repeat Slip-yoke installation in this procedure to install the new bearing cup and snap ring on the opposite side of the driveshaft slip-yoke.
Final assembly

CAUTION: Do not strike the bearings.

Check the U-joint for freedom of movement.
- If binding, strike the yoke with a brass or plastic hammer.
  
  Fig 6: Checking U-Joint For Freedom Of Movement
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.