Ford 5L3Z-4A376-A Drive Shaft Assembly

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A driveshaft is a tube, or a pair of tubes, that transmits power between the transmission and the differential in the rear axle. Universal joints are used at both ends of all driveshafts, and right behind the center bearing on two-piece rear driveshafts. A universal joint, or U-joint, is a double-pivoted connection for transmitting power from a driving to a driven shaft through an angle. Most U-joints are the single-cardan type. A double-cardan U-joint is used on 4WD sport utility models without air suspension. All rear driveshafts employ a "slip yoke" at the front, which slips into the extension housing of the transmission or transfer case. A center bearing supports the driveline on vehicles with a two-piece rear driveshaft. The rear end of all rear driveshafts is connected to the rear axle differential pinion flange by a flange yoke with four bolts. Front driveshafts on 4WD models employ a slip yoke at the front end of the driveshaft on trucks, but at the rear end on sport utility vehicles. The driveshaft assembly requires very little service. The universal joints are lubricated for life and must be replaced if problems develop. The driveshaft must be removed from the vehicle for this procedure. Since the driveshaft is a balanced unit, it's important that no undercoating, mud, etc. be allowed to stay on it. When the vehicle is raised for service it's a good idea to clean the driveshaft and inspect it for any obvious damage. Also, make sure the small weights used to originally balance the driveshaft are in place and securely attached. Whenever the driveshaft is removed it must be reinstalled in the same relative position to preserve the balance. Problems with the driveshaft are usually indicated by a noise or vibration while driving the vehicle. A road test should verify if the problem is the driveshaft or another vehicle component. If you suspect trouble, inspect the driveline.

For all vehicle models, begin by turning off the air suspension system if equipped and securely raising the vehicle on jackstands while placing the transmission in Neutral with the parking brake off, and blocking the front wheels to prevent any rolling. For the rear driveshaft, mark the relationship between the driveshaft and the differential pinion flange, remove the rear universal joint bolts, and if applicable, remove the center bearing support bracket bolts on two-piece driveshafts. Lower the rear driveshaft, slide out the slip yoke from the transmission or transfer case, and remove the driveshaft assembly while protecting the extension housing with a plastic bag. While the driveshaft is removed, inspect and replace the extension housing seal and differential pinion seal if necessary. For two-piece driveshafts, check the center bearing. To install, follow the reverse procedure, ensuring proper alignment of the marks and tightening all bolts securely. For the front driveshaft on 4WD models, remove the front driveshaft shield, mark the relationships of the driveshaft to the front axle differential pinion flange and transfer case output shaft companion flange, remove the attaching bolts, lower and remove the front driveshaft. Inspect and replace the differential pinion seal and transfer case output shaft seal if needed. To install, bolt the front end to the front axle differential pinion flange, attach the rear end to the transfer case output shaft companion flange, and secure the front driveshaft shield. Finally, remove the jackstands and lower the vehicle, reactivating the air suspension system if applicable.

Two-piece driveshafts consist of two separate sections connected by a center support bearing, while one-piece driveshafts are a single unit. The slip yoke in the driveshaft assembly allows the driveshaft to alter its length during vehicle operation. In two-piece driveshafts, the slip yoke is part of the shaft and is typically found at the front or rear section of the driveshaft.

The manufacturer recommends replacing driveshaft fasteners with new ones when installing the driveshaft, if new fasteners are not available, coat the threads with a thread locking compound. For a two-piece driveshaft, the rear shaft must be removed before the front shaft. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Use chalk or a scribe to "index" the relationship of the driveshaft to the differential axle assembly mating flange. This ensures correct alignment when the driveshaft is reinstalled. Remove the bolts securing the driveshaft flange or universal joint clamps to the differential pinion flange. Pry the universal joint away from its mating flange and remove the shaft from the flange. Be careful not to let the caps fall off of the universal joint. Lower the rear of the driveshaft. If the driveshaft is a one-piece unit, slide the front end of the driveshaft out of the transmission extension housing. Wrap a plastic bag over the extension housing and hold it in place with a rubber band. This will prevent loss of fluid and protect against contamination while the driveshaft is out. Remove the plastic bag from the transmission or transfer case extension housing and wipe the area clean. Inspect the oil seal carefully. If it's leaking, now is the time to replace it. Inspect the center support bearing, if equipped. If it is rough or noisy, replace it. Insert the front end of the driveshaft assembly into the Transmission or transfer case extension housing. If the driveshaft is a one-piece unit, raise the rear of the driveshaft into position, checking to be sure the marks are in alignment. If not, turn the pinion flange until the marks line up. If the driveshaft is a two-piece unit, raise the center support bearing and bolt it loosely into place, raise the rear end of the rear shaft into position and make sure the alignment marks are in alignment. If not, turn the pinion flange until they do. Remove the tape securing the bearing caps and install the clamps, if equipped, and fasteners. Tighten these fasteners and the center supports bearing bolts to the torque. The front driveshaft on 2009 and later models uses CV joints instead of U-joints, but the removal procedure is essentially the same. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. If equipped, remove the driveshaft shield. Use chalk or a scribe to mark the relationship of the driveshaft to the differential axle assembly mating flange. Remove the bolts that secure the front end of the driveshaft to the differential mating flange. Mark the relationship of the driveshaft to the transfer case flange. Unbolt the flange that secures the driveshaft universal joint to the transfer case, then remove the driveshaft. Installation is the reverse of removal. If the shaft cannot be lined up due to the components of the differential or transfer case having been rotated, put the vehicle in Neutral or rotate one wheel to allow the original alignment to be achieved. Make sure the universal joint caps are properly placed in the flange seat. Tighten the fasteners to the torque.