Ranger 2WD V6-245 4.0L VIN X SFI (1997)
Slip Yoke: Service and Repair
Maintenance
Vehicle noise and vibration can be caused by a seized driveshaft slip yoke spline. The service resolution to minimize driveshaft slip-yoke spline
contamination and ultimate seizure is as follows:
1. Scribe alignment marks between the driveshaft and rear axle to ensure proper alignment.
2. Clean the male slip splines. Some slip splines have a blue plastic coating. Take care not to damage this coating. Fine abrasive cloth may be
required to dress and polish the male spline. Remove all hardened grease deposits, dirt or rust. Inspect for worn or galled splines. The plastic
coating, if installed, must not be removed. Replace driveshaft if necessary.
3. Clean and inspect the female splines of the driveshaft slip-yoke, removing any hardened grease deposits, dirt or rust. Inspect splines for worn or
galled conditions. Replace driveshaft if necessary.
4. Apply a coating of Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or -K or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B to the entire male slip
splines prior to assembling of the driveshaft.
5. 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 slip-yoke.
6. Reassemble the driveshaft, taking care to realign the driveshaft with the marks scribed in Step 3 to ensure proper universal joint phasing. The
spline joint must slide freely by hand. Install new driveshaft slip-yoke boot clamps.
7. Insert the slip-yoke into the end of the transmission housing. Support the rear end of the driveshaft. Never allow the driveshaft to hang unsupported
from one end.
8. Attach the driveshaft to the rear axle, taking care to realign the driveshaft and the rear axle circular flange using the scribe marks from Step 1. On
SuperCab vehicles, align the center bearing bracket, and attach the center bearing bracket to the crossmember.
9. Torque all bolts to specification.