Description And Operation: Driveshaft

The driveshaft is composed of the universal joints (U-joints), connecting shafts and the attaching yokes. Some vehicles are equipped with a center support bearing. The center support bearing is prelubricated and sealed for the life of the bearing. F-250, 350, 450 and 550 Super Duty vehicles have the following types of driveshafts:

• Driveshaft - the shaft that accommodates the change in length (slip) in the driveshaft system. The driveshaft is the shaft that is the input to the front or rear axle.
• Coupling shaft - all shafts that connect the transmission to the rear axle, except for the driveshaft. Coupling shafts are attached to the chassis by a center support bearing.

The front driveshaft uses two types, Visteon or GKN. Components for the Visteon driveshaft and the GKN driveshaft are not interchangeable. The GKN type has the following characteristics:

• is identified by a parts label with a bar code.
• the slip yoke boot is positioned forward on the yoke.
• the slip yoke boot has nine convolutes.

The Visteon type has the following characteristics:

• does not use a parts label, is identified with paint stripes.
• the slip yoke boot has six convolutes.

Fig 1: Identifying Driveshaft - Front Components (Visteon)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: Identifying Driveshaft - Front, GKN

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 3: Identifying Driveshaft - Rear, One-Piece 4x2 With Split Pin Yoke, Dana

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 4: Identifying Driveshaft - Rear, One-Piece 4x2 With Circular Flange, Dana

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 5: Identifying Driveshaft - Rear, One-Piece 4x4 With Single Cardan Joint, Dana

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 6: Identifying Driveshaft - Rear, One-Piece 4x4 With Double Cardan Joint, Dana

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 7: Identifying Driveshaft - Rear, Two-Piece, Dana

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 8: Identifying Driveshaft - Rear, Three-Piece, Dana

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.