Ford F-350 Universal Joint Guide (1987-1998): Symptoms, Brands, and Replacement
Everything a 1987-1998 Ford F-350 owner needs to know about choosing and replacing a worn U-joint.
- Dana Spicer is the most recommended brand for quality and durability in an F-350.
- Symptoms include clunking when shifting, vibrations at speed, and squeaking noises.
- Measure your old U-joints before ordering, as sizes can vary by year, model, and driveshaft position.
- A failed U-joint can cause the driveshaft to detach, so address symptoms immediately to avoid a dangerous situation.
Is Your F-350's U-Joint Failing?
A failing U-joint isn't just a nuisance; it's a warning. If a U-joint breaks completely while you're driving, the driveshaft can fall. This can cause you to lose all power to the wheels and potentially lead to a loss of control or severe damage to the underside of your truck. Listen to your truck for these common symptoms.
Common Failure Symptoms:
- Clunking Noise: A distinct "clunk" or "ping" sound when you shift from Drive to Reverse is a classic sign of a worn U-joint with excessive play.
- Vibration: You may feel a vibration that increases with speed. This can be felt through the floor or in the seat and often starts at a specific speed range, like 35-50 mph.
- Squeaking Sound: A rhythmic squeaking noise that matches the rotation of the driveshaft, especially at low speeds, often points to a dry, failing U-joint that lacks lubrication.
Don't Ignore the Signs
Driving with a bad U-joint is risky. A complete failure can cause the driveshaft to detach, potentially digging into the pavement and causing an accident or puncturing other components like the fuel tank. If you suspect a U-joint is bad, get it inspected immediately.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket U-Joint
For a truck in the 1987-1998 year range, you won't find many new OEM parts. The good news is that top-tier aftermarket brands are often the original equipment suppliers and provide excellent quality. The main choice you'll make is between a standard sealed U-joint and a greaseable one.
- Sealed (Non-Greaseable): These are filled with grease at the factory and sealed for life. Many professionals prefer them because they are stronger (the cross isn't hollowed out for grease channels) and require no maintenance. High-quality sealed joints often last for 100,000 miles or more.
- Greaseable: These have a small fitting (a zerk) that allows you to add fresh grease periodically. While this can extend their life if done regularly (e.g., with every oil change), the seals are designed to purge old grease, which can also let in contaminants. If you don't keep up with maintenance, they can fail sooner than a sealed joint.
Brand Tiers for Your F-350
Based on owner experiences and mechanic recommendations, here's how the common brands stack up.
Tier 1: OEM Quality or Better
- Dana Spicer: Widely considered the gold standard and the likely original OEM supplier for your truck. Spicer joints are known for being strong, durable, and well-designed. Both their sealed "Spicer Life Series (SPL)" and greaseable versions are top choices.
- SKF: A well-respected brand known for high-quality bearings and driveline components. Often seen as a solid alternative if Spicer is unavailable.
Tier 2: Good Quality Aftermarket
- Moog: Moog used to be a top-tier brand, but in recent years, some users report a decline in quality or inconsistency. However, many still find them to be a reliable choice, especially their premium offerings. It's a decent mid-range option.
Tier 3: Economy/Budget
- GMB: Generally considered a budget-friendly option. They can be a good choice if cost is the primary concern, but may not have the long-term durability of Spicer or SKF under heavy use.
- Crown Automotive / Yukon Gear: While known in the Jeep and off-road communities, they are less commonly cited for Ford heavy-duty trucks. Yukon is often priced higher.
Pro Tip: For a hard-working F-350, spending a little extra on a Dana Spicer or SKF U-joint is a wise investment. The labor to replace a failed joint is the same regardless of the part's cost, so using a top-quality part ensures you won't be doing the job again anytime soon.
Common Ordering Mistakes
The 1987-1998 F-350s used several different U-joint sizes depending on the year, transmission, and whether it was 2WD or 4WD. Some trucks even have different-sized U-joints on the same driveshaft. Before ordering:
- Measure First: The most reliable way to get the right part is to remove the old U-joint and measure the cap diameter and overall width with a caliper.
- Check All Locations: If you have a two-piece driveshaft, you could have up to three U-joints and a center support bearing. Inspect all of them. Don't assume they are all the same size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many U-joints does my 1987-1998 F-350 have?
It varies. A standard single driveshaft has two U-joints. However, long-wheelbase models, especially crew cabs or those with two-piece driveshafts, can have three U-joints and a center support bearing. 4WD models also have U-joints in the front axle shafts.
Is replacing a U-joint a DIY job?
Yes, for a mechanically inclined person with the right tools. You will need a good socket set, a hammer, and either a bench vise or a ball joint press tool to push the old joints out and press the new ones in. It can be a tough job without a press, so watch several tutorial videos before you start. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide on replacing Ford Super Duty U-joints. If the snap rings are seized or you're not comfortable, taking the driveshaft to a dedicated driveline shop is a good option.
Should I get my driveshaft balanced after replacing the U-joints?
It's a good idea, especially if you were experiencing vibrations. While not always required for a simple U-joint swap, having a driveline shop replace the joints and balance the shaft assembly ensures a smooth, vibration-free ride. This is highly recommended for high-mileage trucks or if the old joint failed violently.
Were there any recalls for U-joints on these trucks?
No specific recalls for universal joints were found for the 1987-1998 Ford F-350 models. Recalls found were for newer model years and different components like axle shafts or steering columns.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
U-joint sizes vary significantly. Common series for this era include 1330 and 1350, but measuring the cap diameter and width is required for accurate replacement. Some driveshafts may use combination joints with two different cap sizes.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Ford F-350: