Driveline Angle Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Some vehicles may exhibit a drive-away shudder or vibration under moderate to heavy acceleration from a stop, especially when heavily loaded or when towing a trailer. It is important to confirm how the vehicle is driven the majority of the time (loaded or unloaded), as adjusting the driveline angle may result in a shudder or vibration with the vehicle unloaded. This procedure should only be used to correct or improve a shudder or vibration that occurs only when the vehicle is loaded.

All Vehicles

NOTE: The driveline angle must be measured with the vehicle loaded to determine the amount of adjustment necessary to correct the condition.

Measure the driveline angle. For additional Information, refer to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT .

If the driveline does not have an optimum 3 degree operating range, proceed to the following adjustment steps using the parts listed in the table below.

Part Number	Part Name
8C3Z-4A209-A	Center bearing support shim
7C3Z-4831-A	Center bearing support bracket
EOTZ-5A313-C	1 degree pinion angle shim
EOTZ-5A313-B	2 degree pinion angle shim
56764-S439	Center bearing support bolt

Using a suitable jack to support the rear axle, remove and discard the 8 U-bolt nuts and the 4 U-bolts.
- Install a 1 degree or 2 degree pinion angle shim (thicker end of shim towards front).
Install 4 new U-bolts and 8 new nuts. With the suspension at curb height, tighten the new nuts evenly in a cross-type pattern in 4 stages.
- For F250 and F350 vehicles:
  - Stage 1: Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
  - Stage 2: Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
  - Stage 3: Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  - Stage 4: Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
- For F450 and F550 vehicles:
  - Stage 1: Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
  - Stage 2: Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
  - Stage 3: Tighten to 300 Nm (222 lb-ft).
  - Stage 4: Tighten to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
F250, F350 Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles with SRW and 4369 mm (172 in) wheel base .
If the shudder or vibration condition still exists, replace the center bearing support bracket with the part listed in table to raise the center bearing support height. For additional information, refer to the Driveshaft-Exploded View in DRIVESHAFT .
NOTE: Once a new center bearing support bracket has been installed, a shudder or vibration may occur when the vehicle is unloaded. Shims can be used to lower the center bearing support and minimize this condition. Up to 3 shims (per side) may be installed between the center bearing support bracket and the center bearing support carrier bracket. The center bearing support bolts must be replaced using the part listed in the table or new grade 5 bolts (7/16 in x 14). The bolts should be long enough to extend at least 3 threads past the nuts.

Measure the driveline angle again. For additional Information, refer to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT .
- If necessary, remove and discard the 2 center bearing support bolts and install shims to lower the center bearing support.
  - Install 2 new bolts and tighten to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).