F 350 2WD Pickup V8-460 7.5L VIN G EFI (1997)
NOTE: To maintain driveline balance, mark the relationship of the rear driveshaft yoke and the rear axle companion flange before disassembly.
3. Remove the two center bearing support (coupling shaft)-to-frame crossmember retaining bolts marking the location of the support. Remove the
coupling shaft assembly. Wrap tape around the loose bearing caps. Install the appropriate tool in the extension housing to prevent leaking.
4. Clean the male splines of the coupling shaft and driveshaft with a wire brush and a suitable solvent. Remove all hardened grease deposits, dirt, or
rust. Do not remove the blue plastic coating from male splines. Inspect for worn or galled splines. Remove any nicks, gouges or burrs from the
driveshaft using a file or emery cloth.
5. Inspect the driveshaft slip yoke seal for rips, holes, or deformation. Replace if necessary.
6. Using a suitable cleaning fluid, clean all dirt from the driveshaft slip yoke internal splines and the driveshaft slip yoke. Carefully inspect the
driveshaft slip yoke splines for wear or evidence of twisting. Check the operation of the driveshaft slip yoke.
7. Wash all parts except the sealed center bearing and rubber insulator in suitable cleaning fluid. Do not immerse the sealed bearing in cleaning fluid.
Wipe the bearing and rubber insulator clean with a cloth dampened in cleaning fluid.
8. Check the driveshaft center bearing for wear or rough action by rotating the inner race while holding the outer race. If any wear or roughness is
evident, replace the driveshaft center bearing support.
9. Examine the rubber insulator for evidence of hardening, cracking or deterioration. Replace if damaged in any way.
INSTALLATION
1. Using a brush, coat all surfaces of the coupling shaft front slip yoke splines with Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or -K or equivalent meeting
Ford specification.
2. Remove the tool preventing leakage from the extension housing (driveshaft slip yoke applications only).
3. Install the front yoke of the coupling shaft on the output shaft. Do not allow the driveshaft slip yoke to bottom on the output shaft with excessive
force.
4. Secure the center bearing support bracket to the frame crossmember with the center support retaining bolts and spacers in the original position.
Tighten the bolts to 53-73 Nm (39-54 ft. lbs.).
5. Apply a coating of Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or -K or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B to entire splined stub shaft
end of the coupling shaft prior to the assembling of the driveshaft and the driveshaft slip yoke.
6. Using a clean long handle (stencil type) brush, apply Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or -K or equivalent meeting Ford specification
ESA-M1C75-B. Spread evenly on all the female splines of the driveshaft slip yoke.
7. Assemble the driveshaft slip yoke to the coupling shaft.
8. Connect the rear U-joint of the driveshaft to the rear axle companion flange and tighten the U-bolt nuts or strap bolts to specification.
NOTE: When installing a new driveshaft, align the factory-made yellow paint mark at the rear of the driveshaft tube with the factory-made yellow
paint mark on the outside diameter of the rear axle companion flange.
9. Using a hand type grease gun, lubricate the driveshaft slip yoke through the zerk fitting with Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or -K or
equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B.
NOTE: To ensure complete lubrication of the driveshaft slip yoke splines, temporarily plug the vent hole in the "Welch" type plug located at the
yoke end of the driveshaft slip yoke while applying grease through the zerk fitting.
10. Remove safety stands and lower vehicle.
11. Road test vehicle.