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Driveshaft Angle Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations refer to OEM Color Coding

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment 

Transmission Jack

Adjustment 

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
NOTE: Some vehicles may exhibit a drive-away shudder or vibration under moderate to heavy acceleration from a stop, especially when heavily loaded or when towing a trailer. It is important to confirm how the vehicle is driven the majority of the time (loaded or unloaded), as adjusting the driveline angle in one condition (loaded or unloaded) may result in a shudder or vibration with the vehicle in the opposite condition (loaded or unloaded).
NOTE: Verify suspension is not modified from the original configuration. Aftermarket leveling kits and rear leaf spring shackle kits change ride height, which affects pinion angle and other critical driveline related operating angles. Vehicle must be at OEM specifications before accurate evaluation and diagnosis can be performed.
NOTE: The driveline angle must be measured with the vehicle in the same condition as the concern (loaded or unloaded) to determine the amount of adjustment necessary to correct the condition.
  1. Measure the driveline angle. Refer to: Driveshaft Angle Measurement .
  2. If the driveline does not have an optimum 3.5 degree operating range, proceed to the following adjustment steps using the parts listed in the table below.

    • The U-joints must be equal or within one degree of each other.

    • The driveline can have a maximum 4.5 degree operating angle.

    • The U-joints must have at least one-half of one degree continuous operating angle.
      Part Number  Part Name 
      5A313 1 degree pinion angle shim
      5A313 2 degree pinion angle shim
      4A209 Center bearing support shim
      4831 Center bearing support bracket
      56764-S439 Center bearing support bolt

    NOTE: The driveline angle on these vehicles can be changed by adding 1 degree or 2 degree pinion angle shims.
  3. Support the axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
    GFD404497Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  4. NOTE: Right side shown, Left side similar.

    Remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower nut and bolt.

    GFD404797Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  5. Lower the rear axle.

    • Remove and discard the U-bolt nuts and U-bolts.

    • Support the bottom plate.

    • Lower the rear axle slightly to provide sufficient space to install shim.

    GFD404498Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  6. NOTE: Right side shown, Left side similar.
    NOTE: Never use more then 1 shim on a side at a time.

    Install desired shim on the axle spring seat, or on top of the 4x4 spacer block.

    • Lower the axle pinion using the thick edge of the shim forward, to decrease pinion angle.

    • Raise the axle pinion using the thick edge of the shim rearward, to increase pinion angle.

    GFD404500Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  7. NOTE: Right side shown, Left side similar.
    NOTE: Verify U-bolts are perpendicular and on center to leaf spring. Maintain equal side-to-side clearance to leaf spring stack when securing.
    NOTE: If thicker shims are installed, the new U-bolts (5705) may need to be longer than the original U-bolts. Use the table below to assist with U-bolt selection.

    Install the lower U-bolt mounting plate, new U-bolts and new U-bolt nuts. With the suspension at curb height, tighten the new U-bolt nuts evenly in a cross-type pattern in 4 stages.

    U-Bolt Length Chart

    Length (mm)  Prefix  Base  Suffix 
    265 BC3Z 5705 E
    292 BC3Z 5705 K
    318 BC3Z 5705 H
    330 BC3Z 5705 F
    345 BC3Z 5705 D
    365 BC3Z 5705 C
    385 BC3Z 5705 G
    420 BC3Z 5705 A
    445 BC3Z 5705 L
    335 HC3Z 5705 A
    375 HC3Z 5705 C
    430 HC3Z 5705 B
    405 HC3Z 5705 D

    Torque: SRW Vehicles: Stage 1: 48 lb.ft (65 Nm) | Stage 2: 96 lb.ft (130 Nm) | Stage 3: 148 lb.ft (200 Nm) | Stage 4: 195 lb.ft (265 Nm) DRW Vehicles: Stage 5: 74 lb.ft (100 Nm) | Stage 6: 148 lb.ft (200 Nm) | Stage 7: 221 lb.ft (300 Nm) | Stage 8: 295 lb.ft (400 Nm)

    GFD404501Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  8. NOTE: Right side shown, Left side similar.

    Install the new rear shock absorber lower nut and bolt.

    Torque: 66 lb.ft (90 Nm)

    GFD404798Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  9. Remove the axle assembly support. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
    GFD404497Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  10. Measure the driveline angle. Refer to: Driveshaft Angle Measurement .
  11. If necessary, install shims in 1/4 inch increments to lower the center bearing support as needed.

    1. Remove the center bearing bolts.

      Torque: 52 lb.ft (70 Nm)

    2. Lower the center bearing.
    3. Install the center bearing support lower shim.

    GFD404799Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  12. Check the vehicle ride height. Refer to: Ride Height Measurement .
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