Driveshaft - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the rear driveshaft on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 5.3L V8 engine and rear-wheel drive.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear driveshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent for L83 engine RWD

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Place transmission in Park position
3. Raise vehicle on lift or securely support on jack stands at frame rails to provide adequate working clearance
4. Verify vehicle is stable and safe to work under before proceeding
5. Inspect driveshaft, U-joints, and slip yoke for wear, damage, or leaking grease before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft phasing
   Using a white paint marker, make alignment marks across the driveshaft flange and the rear differential pinion flange. Also mark the driveshaft to transmission output shaft relationship at the front yoke. These marks ensure proper phasing during reinstallation to maintain factory balance.
2. 2

   Remove rear driveshaft flange bolts
   Remove the four bolts securing the rear driveshaft flange to the rear differential pinion flange. Use a 15mm socket and hold the driveshaft to prevent rotation while loosening. Keep bolts together as they will be reused.
3. 3

   Support driveshaft
   Position a transmission jack or adjustable stand under the center of the driveshaft to support its weight. Alternatively, have an assistant ready to support the driveshaft by hand as it is lowered. The driveshaft weighs approximately 25-30 pounds.
4. 4

   Separate rear flange from differential
   Carefully pull the rear flange away from the differential pinion flange. You may need to use a small pry bar between the flanges to break them free. Support the driveshaft weight as you separate the connection.
5. 5

   Lower and slide driveshaft rearward
   Lower the rear of the driveshaft slightly and slide it rearward to disengage the slip yoke from the transmission output shaft. Be prepared for a small amount of transmission fluid to drip from the tail housing (approximately 1-2 ounces is normal).
6. 6

   Remove driveshaft from vehicle
   Once the slip yoke is clear of the transmission, carefully lower the driveshaft and remove it from under the vehicle. Keep the driveshaft level to minimize fluid spillage. Place the driveshaft on a clean work surface with slip yoke elevated to prevent fluid loss.
7. 7

   Inspect components
   Inspect the transmission output shaft seal for leaks or damage. Check the differential pinion flange for wear or damage. Inspect the slip yoke splines and seal surface for scoring or wear. If installing a new driveshaft, transfer alignment marks to the new unit or follow manufacturer's phasing instructions.
8. 8

   Prepare for installation
   Clean the differential pinion flange and transmission output shaft with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Verify the slip yoke splines are clean and lightly lubricated with transmission fluid. Check that all bolt holes are clean and free of debris.
9. 9

   Install driveshaft slip yoke
   Raise the driveshaft into position under the vehicle. Carefully slide the slip yoke into the transmission output shaft, aligning the splines. Push the slip yoke fully into engagement until it seats. Ensure your alignment marks are properly positioned.
10. 10

    Connect rear flange to differential
    Raise the rear of the driveshaft and align the rear flange with the differential pinion flange, matching your previously made alignment marks. Align all four bolt holes. If necessary, rotate the pinion slightly by hand to achieve perfect alignment.
11. 11

    Install and torque flange bolts
    Install all four driveshaft flange bolts and hand-tighten. Ensure flanges are fully seated together with no gaps. Using a torque wrench and 15mm socket, tighten the bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 94 Nm (69 lb-ft). Verify alignment marks still match after torquing.
12. 12

    Verify installation
    Verify the driveshaft rotates freely by turning it by hand (transmission in Neutral). Check that all fasteners are properly torqued and that alignment marks are correctly positioned. Inspect for any interference with exhaust, frame, or other components throughout the rotation.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all four driveshaft flange bolts are torqued to specification in a criss-cross pattern
2. Verify alignment marks match original positions to maintain proper driveshaft balance
3. Check that slip yoke is fully engaged in transmission output shaft with no unusual play
4. Confirm driveshaft has adequate clearance from exhaust, frame rails, and crossmembers throughout its rotation

Verification

• Lower vehicle to ground and start engine with transmission in Park
• Listen for any unusual vibrations, clicking, or clunking noises from driveline
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (25-45 mph initially) to verify smooth operation without vibration
• Check for any fluid leaks from transmission tail housing seal after test drive
• If vibration occurs, recheck alignment marks and verify all fasteners are properly torqued
• Perform final inspection under vehicle after test drive to confirm all connections remain secure

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