1966-1979 Ford F100/F150 Rear Driveshaft

Ford introduced factory 4x4 F100 and F250 trucks for the 1959 model year. Other than length, the rear driveshafts used in the 4x4 trucks were pretty much the same as those found in 4x2 models until 1974 when CV rear driveshafts equipped some 4x4 vehicles. During the 1959-1979 era, Dana-Spicer type rear driveshafts were used in all 1/2 ton to 1 ton for Ford 4x4s.

Ford used conventional single Cardan (one u-joint at each end) for all 4x4 F100 and F250 rear driveshafts through 1973. From 1974 through 1979, Single Cardan rear shafts were used in most but not all of the 4x4s. Double Cardan Rear Constant Velocity (CV) shafts equipped 1974-1979 F250 4x4s with full time NP203 transfer cases and short wheel base F150 models after 1975. All the Ford 4x4 rear driveshafts of the 1959 to 1979 era were made to attach to fixed half yokes at the transfer case and rear axle. Except for long wheel base Super and Crew Cab vehicles, all rear shafts are single shafts with a slip joint at the transfer case end and a fixed yoke at the axle end. Long wheelbase rear shaft incorporate two shafts supported by a midship center bearing.