Dorman 986-178 Drive Shaft - Rear

Dorman 986-178 Drive Shaft for Rear Applications

Dorman 986-178 is a complete drive shaft assembly for rear driveline service on select Ford Ranger and Mazda truck applications. It arrives pre-balanced and uses all-new yokes, tubes, universal joints, and a slip yoke to simplify replacement and restore driveline function.

Key Features

• Complete drive shaft assembly for rear installation
• Pre-balanced for direct replacement service
• Steel shaft construction with 2.5 in diameter and 0.083 in wall thickness
• Transmission yoke on one end and flange on the other
• Slip yoke included
• Greaseable drive shaft design
• Overall length adjustable for fitment alignment
• Universal joints included; CV joints not included

Detailed Description

This Dorman drive shaft is built for rear driveline replacement on 1995-1997 Ford Ranger, rear, except Splash; 1995-1997 Mazda B2300, rear; 1995-1997 Mazda B4000, rear; and 1996 Mazda B3000, rear. The assembly measures 74 in overall length with a 72.5 in compressed length, and its adjustable overall length helps support proper driveline setup during installation. Dorman 986-178 is a practical OE-style replacement when the original shaft is worn, damaged, or out of balance. This part cross-references Ford F57Z4R602B and ZZMD25100 for the same application.

What This Drive Shaft Helps Address

• Driveline vibration caused by a worn or unbalanced shaft
• Clunking or driveline noise from worn universal joints
• Loss of smooth power transfer from transmission to rear axle
• Corrosion or structural wear in the original steel shaft
• Fitment issues after replacing a damaged rear driveshaft

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify rear application fitment before ordering, especially for 1995-1997 Ford Ranger models excluding Splash. Confirm transmission yoke and flange connection points, shaft length, and driveline alignment during installation. Because the assembly is greaseable, service the joints according to the vehicle maintenance schedule after installation.

Quality Assurance

Dorman supplies this drive shaft as a complete replacement assembly with new yokes, tubes, and joints to support consistent fit and function. The pre-balanced design helps reduce the need for additional balancing before installation.