A Ford 4X4 vehicle has a front and rear axle that can both be turned by the transmission. The front axle uses a driveshaft to join the axle and the transmission, and there are U-joints mounted on both ends of the driveshaft. These allow the driveshaft to turn with the transmission while also articulating up and down with the suspension. Over time, the bearings in these U-joints can wear down, and when they do, they need to be replaced.
Crawl underneath the front of the Ford and locate the driveshaft, which runs from the transmission to the front axle, at a slight angle to the frame. Unbolt the clamps connecting the driveshaft to the transmission with an open-end wrench.
Unbolt the clamps holding the driveshaft to the axle with an open-end wrench. Pull the driveshaft out of the front suspension with your hands.
Place the driveshaft on a work surface. Locate the solid connection between the driveshaft and the U-joint, which is pressed in place. Put a socket in the circular pressed connection that is smaller than the driveshaft hole. Strike the socket with the hammer until the U-joint pops out the other side of the driveshaft.
Pull off the bearing caps on both sides of the U-joint, using your hands, then maneuver the U-joint out of the driveshaft.
