This procedure covers the removal and installation of the rear driveshaft on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK with 3.6L V6 engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear driveshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and place transmission in Park (automatic) or gear (manual)
2. Apply parking brake and place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential or frame rails
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame rails behind transfer case - do not work under vehicle supported only by jack
5. Verify vehicle is completely level front to rear for proper driveshaft alignment

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark component alignment
   Using a white paint marker or masking tape, mark the relationship between the rear driveshaft flange and the rear differential pinion flange. Also mark the relationship between the front driveshaft flange and the transfer case output flange. These marks are critical for maintaining proper driveshaft phasing during reinstallation.
2. 2

   Support the driveshaft
   Position a transmission jack or additional jack stand under the center of the driveshaft to support its weight. Alternatively, secure wire or bungee cord to the driveshaft and suspend from the frame to prevent it from falling when bolts are removed.
3. 3

   Remove rear driveshaft flange bolts
   Locate the four bolts connecting the rear driveshaft flange to the rear differential pinion flange. You may need to rotate the driveshaft to access all bolts - do this by rotating the wheels or turning the pinion flange. Remove all four bolts and retain them for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Separate rear flange
   Carefully pry the rear driveshaft flange away from the differential pinion flange using a pry bar if needed. Support the rear of the driveshaft and move it forward slightly to create clearance. Do not allow the driveshaft to hang by the CV joint.
5. 5

   Remove front driveshaft flange bolts
   Access the four bolts connecting the front driveshaft flange to the transfer case output flange. Remove all four bolts while continuing to support the driveshaft weight with your jack or suspension method.
6. 6

   Remove driveshaft assembly
   With both ends disconnected, carefully lower and remove the complete rear driveshaft assembly from the vehicle. Slide it rearward first to clear the transfer case flange, then lower it down and out. Keep the driveshaft horizontal during removal to prevent internal component damage.
7. 7

   Inspect components
   Inspect the driveshaft CV joint boots for tears or grease leakage. Check U-joints for excessive play by attempting to move the yokes perpendicular to the shaft - there should be minimal movement. Inspect the pinion flange and transfer case output flange for wear, damage, or loose bearings. Clean all mounting surfaces with brake cleaner.
8. 8

   Position new or serviced driveshaft
   If installing a new or rebuilt driveshaft, position it under the vehicle. Support it with a jack or wire suspension. Align the front CV joint flange with the transfer case output flange first, ensuring splines are clean and undamaged.
9. 9

   Install front flange bolts
   Align the front driveshaft flange with the transfer case output flange, matching your alignment marks if reusing the original driveshaft. Install all four bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then torque in a cross pattern to specification.
10. 10

    Connect rear flange
    With the front end secured and the driveshaft properly supported, guide the rear flange toward the differential pinion flange. Align your phasing marks carefully - proper alignment is critical for vibration-free operation.
11. 11

    Install rear flange bolts
    Install all four rear flange bolts finger-tight, ensuring the flanges are flush and alignment marks match. Torque the bolts in a cross pattern to specification. Verify all bolts are properly seated and torqued.
12. 12

    Final inspection and removal of supports
    Remove the transmission jack or wire supports from the driveshaft. Manually rotate the driveshaft through several complete revolutions to verify smooth operation with no binding or interference. Check that all bolts are secure and nothing contacts the driveshaft throughout its rotation.

Reassembly

1. Verify all driveshaft bolts are torqued to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) in a cross pattern
2. Confirm alignment marks match on both front and rear flanges
3. Ensure no wires, hoses, or brake lines contact the driveshaft
4. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (15-65 mph) and listen for unusual vibrations, clicking, or clunking noises
• Verify smooth acceleration and deceleration with no driveline shudder
• Check for vibrations particularly at highway speeds - any vibration indicates phasing error or imbalance
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all driveshaft bolt torque values
• Inspect CV joint boots and U-joints for any signs of damage or leakage after test drive

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