Two-Piece Driveshaft Service

The two-piece driveshaft used in longer wheelbase light truck models introduces some special considerations to diagnosis and testing. As compared with a one-piece installation, the two- piece design includes a front, or "coupling" shaft, a rubber-insulated frame-mounted center bearing, a splined slip joint and an intermediate universal joint at the front of the rear driveshaft.

Center Support Bearing Shimming




Drive-away shudder is the predominant symptom associated with driveline angles condition on F-150-F-250 vehicles with two piece driveshafts. After eliminating coupling shaft phasing condition as the possible cause, drive away shudder can usually be serviced by shimming down the center support bearing in 1/4 inch increments using shims, EOTA4A209-AA, or equivalent until the drive away shudder is eliminated. Plate stock must be used to maintain proper preload compression of the rubber insulator.

Replace the existing bolts with the appropriate length 7/16-14 hex head bolts.

Tighten bolts to 51-73 Nm (37-54 ft-lb).

Road test to verify resolution of condition.

If the drive away shudder cannot be serviced by shimming down the center support bearing proceed to the driveline angle checking and service procedure in the following paragraphs.