Drive/Propeller Shaft: Description and Operation

Driveshaft

NOTICE: Use caution when handling driveshafts as any slight dent in the driveshaft could result in a vibration.

NOTE: All driveshaft assemblies are balanced. If undercoating the vehicle, protect the driveshaft to prevent overspray of any undercoating material.

The driveshafts have the following features:

- A 1-piece driveshaft assembly consists of 2 driveshaft centering socket yokes, 2 single-cardan U-joints, a driveshaft slip yoke, a driveshaft slip yoke boot, 2 driveshaft slip yoke boot clamps and a welded tube assembly
- The splined driveshaft slip yoke permits the driveshaft to move forward and rearward during drivetrain movement and during driveshaft removal and installation
- A 2-piece driveshaft consists of a driveshaft centering socket yoke, a single-cardon U-joint, a center bearing and 2 CV joints
- CV joints are not repairable

A driveshaft is a tubular shaft or shafts used to transfer engine torque from the transmission output shaft to the differential in the axle housing. The driveshaft must be able to rotate smoothly through a range of acceptable angles and lengths occurring during normal driving conditions. The single-cardan U-joints permit the change in driveshaft angularity with the slip yoke providing the allowable variance in length. The CV-equipped driveshafts control angle and length changes through the CV joints and use a center support bearing for driveshaft stability.