Ford 5C2Z-4602-J
Drive Shaft, Rear

The first step for repairing or servicing the rear one-piece drive/propeller shaft requires a vehicle lift and support system. Driveline balance requires index-marking the driveshaft flange yoke and pinion flange and it is essential to prevent output shaft movement through index-marking the driveshaft yoke and transmission tail shaft. Remove the four bolts through a suitable tool instead of hammering the driveshaft components to separate the yoke from the flange. To remove the driveshaft from the output shaft position it first and then lower the driveshaft down. Check whether the extension housing seal needs to be replaced because of detected damage. Vehicles with 4R70W need to check for a paint mark on their driveshaft front and transmission output shaft end but vehicles with 4R100 do not require this check. Slip-yoke splines require application of Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or -K or an equivalent with Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B. Installation depends on paint markings availability using factory-made paint marks or index marks. The installation requires fresh bolts but manufacturers can substitute Threadlock and Sealer EOAZ-19554-AA or an equivalent product that complies with Ford specification WSK-M2G351-A5 on original bolt threads. The proper installation of the driveshaft flange yoke onto the pinion flange requires uniform bolt tightening through a cross pattern sequence after aligning the index marks.

Lower the driveshaft and slide it off the output shaft.

Ensure it fits tightly on the pinion flange pilot and tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern.

Release the parking brake.

Slide it off the output shaft and inspect the extension housing seal for damage, replacing it if necessary.

Index-mark the driveshaft to the rear axle pinion flange.

Remove the four bolts to disconnect and remove the rear driveshaft section.

For installation, position the driveshaft using the index marks and install the four coupling shaft bolts.

Lubricate with Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or -K, or an equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B.

Install the rear driveshaft section, align the index marks, and install the four driveshaft-to-rear axle bolts, applying sealer to the threads of original bolts if new ones are unavailable.

Tighten the driveshaft center support bearing bolts.

Index-mark the driveshaft at the axle flange, then disconnect it from the axle flange by removing and discarding the bolts and U-joint retainers.

Lubricate the slip-yoke spline with grease.