Driveshaft - Rear, One-Piece, Four Wheel Drive (4WD): Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All vehicles

With vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING -- EXCURSION & F250-F550 SUPER DUTY .
Index-mark the driveshaft yoke and the transfer case flange.

Fig 1: Identifying Aligning Index-Mark Driveshaft Flange To Transfer Case Rear Output Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the 4 transfer case output flange-to-rear driveshaft flange bolts.

Fig 2: Identifying Removing Transfer Case Rear Output Flange Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles with split pin yoke

Index-mark the driveshaft to the transfer case flange.

Fig 3: Identifying Index-Mark Location On Driveshaft And Rear Axle Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the 4 rear driveshaft-to-transfer case bolts and the 2 U-joint retainers.

Fig 4: Removing Bolts And U-Joint Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles with circular flange
Index-mark the driveshaft yoke and the rear axle pinion flange.

Fig 5: Identifying Index-Mark Location On Driveshaft Yoke And Rear Axle Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the 4 rear driveshaft-to-axle bolts.

Fig 6: Removing Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles with split pin yoke
CAUTION: It may be necessary to unseat the bearing cup assemblies by tapping on the yoke or bearing cup with a plastic or rubber soft-faced hammer.

Disconnect the driveshaft from the rear axle pinion flange, and remove the driveshaft from the vehicle.
- Tape the bearing cups to the spider to keep them from falling off the spider.
  
  Fig 7: Taping Bearing Cups To Spider To Keep Them From Falling Off Spider
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Vehicles with circular flange

CAUTION: The driveshaft yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Pry only in the slot on each side of the driveshaft yoke, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the yoke from the flange.

CAUTION: It may be necessary to tap the driveshaft yoke with a plastic or rubber soft-faced hammer if a pry area is not present on the driveshaft yoke.

Fig 8: Disconnecting Driveshaft Yoke From Rear Axle Pinion Flange Using Suitable Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a suitable tool, disconnect the driveshaft yoke from the rear axle pinion flange, and remove the driveshaft from the vehicle.