Ford 7L1Z-4602-A Drive Shaft Assembly

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Turn off air suspension system if equipped. Raise vehicle on jackstands, place transmission in Neutral, block front wheels. Mark relationship between rear driveshaft and differential pinion flange. Remove rear universal joint bolts and center bearing support bracket bolts if applicable. Lower and remove rear driveshaft, protect extension housing. Inspect and replace seals if necessary. Check center bearing for two-piece driveshafts. Install in reverse, align marks, tighten bolts. For front driveshaft on 4WD models, remove shield, mark relationships, remove bolts, lower and remove driveshaft. Inspect and replace seals if needed. Install front end to front axle differential pinion flange, attach rear end to transfer case output shaft companion flange, secure shield. Remove jackstands, lower vehicle, reactivate air suspension if applicable.

Driveshaft assemblies require minimal service. Universal joints are usually lubricated for life and should be replaced if problems arise. During service, the driveshaft should be removed from the vehicle. It's important to keep the driveshaft clean, inspect it for obvious damage, and ensure that small weights used for balancing are in place and securely attached. When reinstalling the driveshaft, it must be returned to the same relative position to preserve balance.

Driveshafts have a "slip yoke" at the front end that inserts into the extension housing of the transmission or transfer case. On two-piece rear driveshafts, a center bearing supports the driveline. The rear end of all rear driveshafts connects to the rear axle's differential pinion flange using a flange yoke with four bolts. Front driveshafts on 4WD models may have a slip yoke at either the front or rear end, depending on the vehicle type.

To prepare the vehicle, begin by turning off the air suspension system if equipped. Next, securely raise the vehicle on jackstands, place the transmission in Neutral with the parking brake off, and block the front wheels to prevent any rolling.