How much slip yoke grease?

[Frank in Wyoming]

Got my one piece driveshaft ready to install (2wd, auto). Finishing one rivet removal, and degreased the driveshaft splines. Got a new tube of Ford XG-8, just wondering how best and how far up the tube to lube it? Thanks for the help, the Tech articles were great!

 

[Dirtman]

None. The slip yoke enters the transmission where it is in direct contact with the transmission fluid. Not only will the transmission fluid simply wash it away, it will contaminate it as well. Especially a teflon grease like XG-8. Only the splines on a 2 piece shaft get greased.

 

[Kira]

This is bad news. My '05 has what I think is the "bump" and have ordered the XG-8.

After removing the 4 bolts at the rear flange and removing the forward Oetikar clamp and puling the yoke out you're saying fluid will pour out?

Heavens. I must say, researching this drive shaft lube thing (shouldn't be too complicated) has been difficult.

Is it safe to say the slip yoke on the one piece driveshaft never needs to be lubed then? Thx

 

[sgtsandman]

Whether fluid comes out or not depends on the angle of truck when you pull the drive shaft out. If the front of the truck is up, it will come out for sure. With it level, it might dribble a little.

 

[Kira]

Thanks for the info. It always helps and is always appreciated....NO BS

 

[Dirtman]

Just so we are 100% clear I am ONLY referring to the one piece driveshaft with the slip yoke AT the transmission output shaft and no other slip joint in the shaft.

If the transmission yoke bolts on to the output shaft then there is a slip joint on the driveshaft itself and that does in fact get greased. But NEVER grease a slip yoke on the transmission output shaft.

 

[Curious Hound]

So how much does that grease cost? If one of you will never need what you bought, I might buy it. My front drive shaft has a torn boot. So I need to take it apart, clean and regrease. Plus, I need to find the part number for the boot. Maybe I could just use a plastic grocery bag and some duct tape.

 

[Craig0320]

I just greased my one piece and rebuild the output shaft housing(new bushing ford output seal). I put the grease on the shaft splines and some on the splines inside the yoke. Everything is super tight now and no more vibration.

 

[Frank in Wyoming]

Thanks for the heads up! Sounds like 2 wheel drive would be a slip in with no grease (my case) but a 4wd would have a different flange from the transfer case output shaft and need to be greased.
I was planning to lift the rear of the truck up for working underneath it, that should minimize any fluid loss.
Again, thanks for the advice! Frank

 

[Kira]

ericbphoto asked above: "So how much does that grease cost?"
1) Months ago a fellow here called the 3 0z. tube, "a $15 item".
2) Last week the Ford parts counterman told me $45.
3) I immediately went home and found it on Amazon for < $13.
Guess where I purchased it.
PM sent to eric

 

[Frank in Wyoming]

I got my special Ford grease on fleabay for less than $12, the tube says it can be used for other purposes. So will keep it for that. A small amount of ATF on the outside of the tube will probably help pushing it back in probably.

 

[Frank in Wyoming]

It is Done! I am really happy with the aluminum driveshaft. The vibrations used to start from 35mph on up. Now its so smooth, happy camper here. I have owned this ‘95 for about 2 years and took care of little problems, but this was the biggest improvement. Thanks everybody for the help!