Rear Driveshaft and U-Joints

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.

   Fig. 1: Exploded view of the common 2WD driveshaft and U-joints

3. Place matchmarks on the flanges of the driveshaft and the differential carrier.

   Fig. 2: View of the common rear driveshaft on the 4WD models

   Fig. 3: Place matchmarks on the driveshaft and differential flanges

   Fig. 4: A whiteout pen works well to make matchmarks

4. Remove the four nuts, bolts and washers and disconnect the driveshaft from the differential housing.
5. On 2WD, pull out the driveshaft yoke from the transmission.
   1. Install a transmission output shaft plug into the transmission to prevent fluid loss.

      Fig. 5: Pull the yoke from the transmission, then insert a plug to prevent oil leakage

6. On 4WD, disconnect the driveshaft from the transfer case by removing the four nuts and washers.
   1. Place matchmarks on the flanges of the driveshaft and the transfer case.
   2. Remove the driveshaft from the vehicle.

      Fig. 6: Two wrenches are need to loosen and remove the nuts and bolts from the differential side

      Fig. 7: On the transfer case side, only the bolt need be removed

      To install:

7. On 2WD, remove the transmission output shaft plug.
   1. Slide the driveshaft yoke into the transmission.
   2. Align the matchmarks on the driveshaft and differential flanges.
   3. Install the four washers, bolts and nuts to the driveshaft and differential carrier. Tighten the bolts to 54 ft. lbs. (74 Nm).
8. On 4WD, align the matchmarks on the transfer case and driveshaft.
   1. Install the four washers and nuts to hold the driveshaft to the transfer case. Tighten the nuts to 54 ft. lbs. (74 Nm).
   2. Align the matchmarks on the driveshaft and differential flanges.
   3. Install the four washers, bolts and nuts to the driveshaft and differential carrier. Tighten the bolts to 54 ft. lbs. (74 Nm).

      Fig. 8: Make sure the matchmarks line up when installing the driveshaft

9. Lower the vehicle and connect the negative battery cable to the battery.