Ford XL2Z-4A376-AA Drive Shaft Assembly

Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Place the transmission in Neutral with the parking brake off. Look for the yellow paint marks made at the factory on the axle companion flange and the driveshaft flange. If these aren't visible, use a scribe, white paint or a hammer and punch to place marks on the driveshaft and the differential flange in line with each other. This is to make sure the driveshaft is reinstalled in the same position to preserve the balance. On 4WD On models, repeat for the front end of the driveshaft. Remove the bolts and lower the rear of the driveshaft. On 4WD models, remove the bolts and detach the front end from the transfer case. On 2WD models, slide the front end out of the transmission. Installation is the reverse of the removal with the following additions: On 2WD models, slide the front of the driveshaft into the transmission. On 4WD models, position the front end of the driveshaft on the transfer case with the alignment marks aligned. Raise the rear of the driveshaft into position, checking to be sure the marks are in alignment. If not, make sure the transmission is still in Neutral, then turn the rear wheels to match the pinion flange and the driveshaft. For 4WD models, use a scribe, white paint or a hammer and punch, place marks on the driveshaft and differential flanges in line with each other. Make alignment marks on the driveshaft and transfer case flanges. Unbolt the flange that secures the driveshaft double-cardan joint to the transfer case. Remove the bolts and straps that secure the front end of the driveshaft to the differential yoke. Wrap tape around the universal joint bearings at the axle end of the driveshaft so they won't fall off. Installation is the reverse of the removal with the following additions: Raise the front of the driveshaft into position, checking to be sure the marks are in alignment. If not, make sure the transmission is still in Neutral, then turn the front wheels to align the marks. Remove the tape securing the bearing cups and install the straps and bolts. Tighten the bolts.

Worn universal joints can be checked by driving the vehicle slowly in high gear, then accelerating and listening for a clunking or knocking noise, or by driving at a speed of about 10 to 15 mph, placing the transmission in neutral, and listening for abnormal driveline noises. The vehicle can also be raised and supported on jackstands, with the transmission in neutral, to manually turn the driveshaft and watch the universal joints for excessive play.

Universal joints are located at either end of the driveshaft(s) and permit power to be transmitted to the rear (and on 4WD models, the front) wheels at varying angles.

Removal of the drive shafts and drive axle.

Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Place the transmission in Neutral with the parking brake off.