Removing the front drive shaft on your 1997 Ford Explorer will allow you to change worn U-joints, replace the drive shaft or access other components on the truck when needed. The front drive shaft connects the pinion yoke on the axle housing to the transfer case output shaft on the transfer case. The drive shaft and its universal joints allow the suspension to travel up and down while transferring power to the front axle. Without the drive shaft and U-joints, your Ford would not have four-wheel drive.
Position a jack under the front of your Ford Explorer and raise the front of the truck off the ground. Position a set of jack stands under the front suspension to support the front end and remove the jack.
Locate the four retaining bolts on the front axle housing where the driveshaft meets the front yoke. Remove the bolts with a wrench, then remove the straps that retain the U-joint.
Remove the U-joint and drive shaft from the yoke and set the front end on the ground. Locate the rubber boot on the front of the transfer case where the drive shaft comes out of the case. Pull the boot back from the transfer case and lift the drive shaft off the ground.
Pull the rear of the drive shaft out of the transfer case and remove it from under the truck. Set it aside or move it to a bench if you are working on the shaft.
