drivetrain

Driveshaft - Rear

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear driveshaft on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, including disconnection from the transfer case and rear differential.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.

⚠The driveshaft is heavy and awkward to handle. Have a helper available or use a transmission jack to support it during removal.

⚠Mark all components before disassembly to maintain proper phasing. Incorrect driveshaft orientation will cause severe vibration.

ℹ️Some fluid may drip from the transfer case output shaft after driveshaft removal. This is normal but keep a drain pan ready.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (0-300 Nm range)Essential

Socket set (metric)Essential

8mm, 10mm, 12mm socketsEssential

Pry bar or large flathead screwdriver

Drain pan (if differential service needed)

Wire brush

Permanent marker or paint penEssential

Shop rags

Brake cleaner

Parts

Rear driveshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford driveshaft or equivalent
U-joint strap bolts (if reusing driveshaft) × 8 — M8 flange bolts - Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind front wheels
Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands under frame rails
Ensure sufficient ground clearance to access underneath the vehicle comfortably
Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven

Procedure

1
Mark driveshaft alignment
Using a permanent marker or paint pen, make alignment marks on the driveshaft flange and the rear differential pinion flange. Also mark the driveshaft flange to the transfer case output flange. These marks must align exactly during reinstallation to maintain driveline balance and prevent vibration. Mark both the 12 o'clock position and one side to indicate rotational orientation.
2
Support the driveshaft
Position a transmission jack, floor jack with wood block, or have a helper ready to support the center of the driveshaft. The rear driveshaft weighs approximately 25-30 lbs and will drop when fasteners are removed. Support prevents damage to the driveshaft, differential seal, or transfer case seal.
3
Remove rear differential flange bolts
Locate the four U-joint strap bolts at the rear differential pinion flange. These are 12mm bolts securing the U-joint straps. Remove all four bolts and the two U-joint straps. Keep bolts organized as they should be replaced or inspected for thread damage. The driveshaft will now be free at the rear but still connected at the transfer case.
⚠Support the driveshaft weight as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from dropping suddenly.
4
Separate driveshaft from differential
Carefully slide the rear of the driveshaft away from the differential pinion flange. Lower the rear section slightly while keeping the driveshaft supported. The U-joint will separate from the pinion flange. Inspect the U-joint caps to ensure they remained in place and did not drop needle bearings.
5
Remove transfer case flange bolts
Locate the four U-joint strap bolts at the transfer case output flange (front of rear driveshaft). These are also 12mm bolts securing the front U-joint straps. Remove all four bolts and the two U-joint straps while supporting the driveshaft weight.
⚠The driveshaft will become completely free once these bolts are removed. Ensure adequate support.
6
Remove rear driveshaft
With all fasteners removed, carefully lower and remove the rear driveshaft from under the vehicle. Slide it rearward first to clear the transfer case flange, then maneuver it down and out. Avoid striking the driveshaft against the exhaust system or frame components. Place on a clean work surface and inspect U-joints for wear, play, or damage.
7
Inspect components
Inspect both U-joints for roughness, binding, or excessive play by rotating the yokes by hand. Check for rust staining around U-joint caps indicating seal failure. Inspect the slip yoke splines for wear or damage. Check transfer case and differential output seals for leakage. Inspect U-joint strap bolts for thread damage or stretching - replace if questionable.
8
Clean mating surfaces
Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean the differential pinion flange and transfer case output flange surfaces. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread locker residue from the bolt holes. Clean surfaces ensure proper seating and torque values. Inspect flanges for cracks or damage.
9
Position new or serviced driveshaft
Carefully maneuver the driveshaft into position under the vehicle. If installing a new driveshaft, ensure it is the correct length and configuration for 4WD F-150. Position the front U-joint onto the transfer case output flange first, aligning the U-joint caps with the flange yoke. Have a helper support the rear while you align the front.
10
Install transfer case U-joint straps
Align the front U-joint with the transfer case output flange, ensuring alignment marks match if reusing the original driveshaft. Install the two U-joint straps and thread in all four bolts finger-tight. Verify the U-joint caps are fully seated in the flange yoke before tightening. Torque the strap bolts evenly in a criss-cross pattern to specification.
⚠Ensure U-joint caps are properly seated before torquing. Misalignment can cause cap failure and catastrophic driveline damage.
11
Install rear differential U-joint straps
Raise the rear of the driveshaft to align the rear U-joint with the differential pinion flange. Confirm alignment marks match exactly. Install the two U-joint straps and thread in all four bolts finger-tight. Verify proper U-joint cap seating in the flange yoke. Torque the strap bolts evenly in a criss-cross pattern to specification.
⚠Alignment marks must match exactly to prevent driveline vibration. Do not install the driveshaft in any position other than the original orientation.
12
Verify installation
Remove jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Rotate the driveshaft by hand (in neutral with parking brake released) to verify smooth rotation without binding. Check that all alignment marks are correct and all fasteners are torqued. Verify no tools or parts were left under the vehicle.

Reassembly

Ensure all alignment marks are properly matched before final torquing
All U-joint strap bolts must be torqued evenly in a criss-cross pattern to prevent strap distortion
If any transfer case or differential fluid leaked during service, check fluid levels and top off as needed
Double-check that all four bolts are installed at each U-joint connection (eight total bolts)

Verification

Test drive the vehicle at various speeds (15-65 mph) and verify no vibration is present
Listen for any clicking, clunking, or grinding noises from the driveline during acceleration and deceleration
Verify smooth engagement when shifting from Park to Drive and Park to Reverse
Re-inspect all U-joint strap bolts after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure they remain tight
Check for any fluid leaks from the transfer case or rear differential output seals

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