Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Index-mark the rear axle pinion flange and the driveshaft centering socket yoke.

Fig 1: Locating Index-Mark On Driveshaft Flange & Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Index-mark the transmission extension housing and driveshaft tube.

Fig 2: Identifying Index-Mark On Driveshaft And Transmission Extension Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 bolts.
- To install, tighten to 112 Nm (83 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Driveshaft Flange and Rear Axle Pinion Flange Bolts And Alignment Marks
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke from the flange. Pry only in the area shown, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the yoke from the flange.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange Yoke From Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the rear axle pinion flange.

NOTE: Align index marks before removing the driveshaft.

Lower the rear end of the driveshaft to clear the rear axle housing. Pull the driveshaft rearward until the driveshaft slip yoke clears the transmission extension housing.
- Plug the extension housing to prevent fluid loss.

CAUTION: Install the driveshaft with new bolts. If new bolts are not available, apply threadlock and sealer to the threads of the original bolts.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern.

NOTE: Inspect the extension housing seal for damage. Install a new seal if necessary.

NOTE: Lubricate the slip-yoke spline with long-life grease.

NOTE: If installing a new driveshaft, align the factory-made yellow paint mark at the rear of the driveshaft tube with the factory-made yellow paint mark on the rear axle pinion flange. If the paint marks are not visible, refer to DRIVELINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for driveshaft indexing.

NOTE: Inspect the mating surfaces on the rear axle pinion flange and the driveshaft centering socket yoke for foreign material and for damage from nicks or burrs that could prevent the flanges from fitting tightly together. Repair damaged areas or install new components as necessary to make sure a tight fit is obtained.

Fig 5: Tightening Sequence Of Flange Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.