Rear Driveshaft: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2024 Ford Transit-350 HD, 2024 Ford Transit-350, 2024 Ford Transit-250, and 2024 Ford Transit-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All vehicles

NOTE: A new driveshaft is required, if the driveshaft is dropped.

NOTE: Driveshafts should be supported so that each section of the driveshaft is parallel.

NOTE: Driveshafts should be supported to prevent center slip mechanism doesn't pull out of slip boot or over articulate the joint.

NOTE: The maximum articulation of any CV-joint is 5 degrees. The maximum articulation of any U-joint is 10 degrees. If the CV or any U-joint of the driveshaft is articulated further then the maximum allowable degrees damage may occur.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting .
If equipped. Remove and discard the driveshaft safety strap bolts and remove the driveshaft safety strap.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
1. Index-mark the driveshaft flange to the pinion flange to maintain alignment during installation.
2. Remove and discard the driveshaft flange to pinion flange bolts.
3. NOTE: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the flange pilot. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool, to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the flange pilot or damage to the driveshaft flange can occur.
  
  Using the general equipment, separate the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange. Use the General Equipment: Flat Headed Screw Driver
4. Support the driveshaft.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
If equipped.
1. Index-mark the driveshaft flange to the transmission flange to maintain alignment during installation.
2. Remove and discard the driveshaft flange to transmission flange bolts.
3. NOTE: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the flange pilot. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool, to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the flange pilot or damage to the driveshaft flange can occur.
  
  Using the general equipment, separate the driveshaft flange from the transmission flange. Use the General Equipment: Flat Headed Screw Driver
4. Support the driveshaft.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
If equipped.
1. Index-mark the driveshaft CV -joint to the transfer case flange to maintain alignment during installation.
2. Remove and discard the driveshaft CV -joint to transfer case flange bolts and the retaining straps.
3. NOTE: The driveshaft CV -joint fits tightly on the flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft CV -joint from the flange pilot. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool, to disconnect the driveshaft CV -joint from the flange pilot or damage to the driveshaft CV -joint can occur.
  
  Using the general equipment, separate the driveshaft CV -joint from the transfer case flange. Use the General Equipment: Flat Headed Screw Driver
4. Support the driveshaft.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Medium wheel base
NOTE: The driveshaft is long and heavy with multiple U-joints. Do not over articulate the driveshaft or damage may occur.

NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.

Remove and discard the driveshaft center bearing bolts and remove the driveshaft.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Long wheel base
NOTE: The driveshaft is long and heavy with multiple U-joints. Do not over articulate the driveshaft or damage may occur.

NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.

Remove and discard the driveshaft center bearing bolts and remove the driveshaft.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY