Propeller Shaft

The propeller shaft (5, 6 and 10) is a hollow shaft or tube that connects the transmission output shaft to the differential. The propeller shaft is connected to the transmission with a universal joint and a splined slip yoke and to the rear axle with a universal joint and a fixed yoke (companion flange).

This engine is equipped with a two-piece propeller shaft (6 and 10) which consists of separate front (6) and rear (10) propeller shafts and a center support bearing (7) in between. The front propeller shaft consists of the center support bearing and spline coupling. The center support bearing prevents the angular movement or "whipping" of the propeller shaft.

The support bearing is a ball bearing type mounted in a rubber cushion which is mounted to the torque arm. The bearing is pressed onto the outer diameter (OD) of the spline coupling and is pre-lubricated and sealed by the manufacturer. The spline coupling has internal splines which accept the rear propeller shaft. On the front of the rear propeller shaft there is a propeller shaft joint (sometimes called a constant velocity joint) (9) that fits into the spline coupling of the front propeller shaft.

The propeller shaft (or constant velocity) joint allows the propeller shaft angle to be adjusted according to the up and down movement of the vehicle without disturbing the power flow.

Important: If a vehicle is to be undercoated, the propeller shaft must be kept free from undercoating material. Undercoating or any other foreign material will upset the propeller shaft balance and may produce serious vibrations.