Driveshaft - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the rear driveshaft on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine and rear-wheel drive configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear driveshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford or equivalent aftermarket for F-150 RWD
• Rear differential pinion seal (if leaking) × 1 — Replace if seepage present during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails behind rear differential
4. Ensure adequate clearance to access driveshaft from underneath
5. Inspect differential pinion seal for leaks while accessible; replace if seepage is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a marking crayon or paint pen, make alignment marks on the driveshaft flange and the rear differential pinion flange. Mark both the rotational position and ensure marks are clearly visible on mating surfaces. Also mark the driveshaft slip yoke position relative to the transmission extension housing for proper reassembly phasing.
   ⚠Failure to maintain proper driveshaft phasing will result in severe drivetrain vibration.
2. 2

   Support the driveshaft
   Position a transmission jack under the center of the driveshaft or use a support strap to prevent the shaft from dropping suddenly when fasteners are removed. The driveshaft weighs approximately 15-20 lbs and can cause injury if it falls.
3. 3

   Remove rear driveshaft flange bolts
   Remove the four bolts securing the driveshaft flange to the rear differential pinion flange. These are 12mm head bolts. Hold the driveshaft to prevent rotation while loosening. If equipped with CV joint style connection, remove the CV joint bolts instead.
4. 4

   Separate rear flange connection
   Carefully pry the driveshaft flange away from the differential pinion flange using a pry bar. The driveshaft should separate cleanly. Support the rear end of the shaft to prevent it from swinging down and damaging the CV joint or U-joint.
5. 5

   Remove driveshaft from transmission
   Carefully slide the driveshaft rearward to disengage the slip yoke from the transmission extension housing. Pull straight back to avoid damaging the transmission output shaft seal. Be prepared for a small amount of transmission fluid to drip from the extension housing (approximately 2-4 oz).
   ⚠Do not allow the slip yoke to fall or strike the ground as this can damage internal components or the seal surface.
6. 6

   Inspect transmission output seal
   With the driveshaft removed, inspect the transmission extension housing seal for leaks or damage. Check the slip yoke splines for wear or damage. Wipe the area clean and look for fresh fluid indicating a seal replacement is needed.
7. 7

   Prepare new or serviced driveshaft
   If installing a new driveshaft, compare it to the old unit to ensure correct length and flange type. If reusing the existing driveshaft after service, inspect U-joints or CV joints for smooth operation without binding or excessive play. Lightly lubricate the slip yoke splines with ATF or appropriate grease.
8. 8

   Install driveshaft into transmission
   Align the slip yoke with the transmission output shaft, matching any previous alignment marks. Carefully slide the yoke into the extension housing, ensuring the splines engage smoothly. Push forward until the yoke is fully seated but still allows for suspension travel compression.
9. 9

   Connect rear driveshaft flange
   Align the rear driveshaft flange with the differential pinion flange using the alignment marks made during removal. Ensure proper phasing is maintained. Install all four bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment.
10. 10

    Torque rear flange bolts
    Torque the four rear driveshaft flange bolts in a cross pattern to specification. Hold the driveshaft to prevent rotation during final tightening. Ensure all bolts are tightened evenly.
11. 11

    Verify driveshaft installation
    Rotate the driveshaft by hand through several complete rotations to ensure smooth operation without binding. Check that the slip yoke has adequate engagement in the transmission (minimum 1 inch of spline engagement) and that the driveshaft does not contact any chassis components, exhaust, or heat shields throughout its range of motion.

Reassembly

1. Verify all alignment marks are properly matched
2. Confirm all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Check that no tools or hardware were left in the work area
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands

Verification

• Start the engine and observe for any unusual noises from the driveline
• Test drive the vehicle at various speeds (25, 45, and 65 mph) to check for vibrations
• Any vibration indicates improper installation or driveshaft imbalance requiring immediate attention
• Recheck torque on driveshaft bolts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Monitor transmission fluid level if any leakage was noted during removal

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