How to install your driveshaft

When replacing your driveshaft it is important to do so safely. The driveshaft is the primary connection from your transmission or transfer case to your differential. On four-wheel-drive drive vehicles, only the rear driveshaft is in use unless the vehicle is actively in four-wheel-drive. On all-wheel-drive vehicles, both driveshafts are in use all the time.

When your vehicle is in park, your transmission locks in place, which in-turn, keeps your driveshaft and differential from spinning, keeping your vehicle from rolling. This is why it is very important to chalk your vehicle's wheels before removing your driveshaft. Failing to do so can result in the vehicle rolling, serious injury, and/or death.

Chalk your wheels. If you have access to a car jack and jack stand, we recommend lifting your wheels in the air. For vehicles with rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, you will only need to lift the rear wheels when replacing the rear driveshaft, the front driveshaft shouldn't be affected. For all-wheel-drive vehicles, lifting the front and rear wheels is recommended when replacing those driveshafts.

Lifting the wheels of your vehicle in the air will allow your differential will be able to move freely. However, it is not required, but this will make it much easier to remove and install your driveshaft.

Unbolt your driveshaft. Driveshafts can vary from vehicle to vehicle but typically they have 1 or 2 of 3 types of connections; open joints, flanges, or slip yokes. Two-piece driveshafts will also have additional bolts securing the center of your driveshaft to the vehicle; these are called carrier/hanger bearings.

Open Joints: Driveshafts with open joints are attached to the differential, transmission, or transfer case using the u-joint. Typically, there are 4 bolts and 2 straps that hold the u-joint securely in place and attach it to your differential.

Flanges: Flanges can come in many shapes and sizes. Some have as little as 3 bolts while others can have over 8. The flanges on your driveshaft may not necessarily be identical.

Slip Yokes: Driveshafts with slip yokes only bolt in from one end while the slip yoke is free to move, or slide, in and out of your transfer case or transmission. You must unbolt the other end of your driveshaft to remove the slip-yoke portion from your vehicle. Slip yokes typically stay attached to the slip yoke unless it is being replaced or repaired.

Carrier Bearings: Typically your hanger/carrier bearing is held on by two bolts. It is recommended to remove these bolts last unless you are having issues removing the driveshaft; this will help hold the driveshaft up while you disconnect the two ends.

Bolt in your new driveshaft. Once you've removed your old driveshaft, you can now install you new unit. This will be done in the exact opposite way you removed the old driveshaft from your vehicle. On one-piece conversions, you will need to attached the center section as these have been eliminated on these models.

Verify your new driveshaft has proper clearance before driving. This step only applies to one-piece conversions, if you purchased a OEM replacement, you will not have to worry about this.

With your vehicle on the ground at normal ride height, verify that there is at least 2" of clearance above (and below) your driveshaft. Some vehicles may be required to have the hanger/carrier bearing bracket removed or notched.

Failing to follow this step may void all warranties and make your driveshaft ineligible for return.

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