Is there a simple way to check u-joints while still on the truck?
I have a 2001 f-150 4x4 ext cab.
Please advise?

 

Chock the wheels
set the e-brake
put tranny in neutral
crawl underneath your truck
grab the drive shaft
slowly turn the drive shaft (back and forth in both directions), paying very careful attention to the u-joint. There should be no slack in the u-joint. If it is really bad, you can hear it clucking when you change rotational direction on the drive shaft.

4wd

chock wheels
set e-brake
Front Hubs un-locked - transfer case in 2wd or neutral
do the same thing as above with front drive shaft

I think I got it all. Should be the same for auto trannies too.

 

i just had a quick ? ... when you check is it better to have your tires off the ground and someone pushing the brake? or doesnt it matter if its lifted off the ground or on the ground

 

nah, just leave it on the ground. If there is slack in your u-joint you will be able to tell pretty easily. If you would like to have someone set inside with their foot on the brake (for safety reason), knock yourself out.

 

i have a 93 f 150 4X4 and i checked the front u joints because they were making a weird sound when i turned in 4 wheel drive i can move the joint up and down. how hard is it to change the front u joints.

 

Same as the rear. Just un-bolt the drive shaft, remove the old u-joints, (as described above) and install the new ones.