OE Quality
60-Day Returns

Dorman 986-496 Drive Shaft - Rear
Dorman 986-496 Rear Drive Shaft for Mercedes-Benz 300SD
Dorman 986-496 is a complete rear drive shaft assembly for 1978-1980 Mercedes-Benz 300SD models. It arrives pre-balanced and built with new yokes, tubes, universal joints, and CV joints excluded as specified, making it a direct replacement for worn driveline components.
Key Features
- Complete drive shaft assembly for rear application
- Pre-balanced for installation readiness
- 100% new yokes and tubes
- Steel shaft construction with 2.5 in shaft diameter
- 65.375 in compressed drive shaft length
- 0.065 in wall thickness
- Bolt-on end 1 and bolt-on end 2 design
- Universal joints included; slip yoke not included
- Standard replacement grade
Detailed Description
Built for rear driveline service, this Dorman drive shaft replacement is engineered to restore proper power transfer in Mercedes-Benz 300SD vehicles from 1978 through 1980. The assembly uses steel construction and a bolt-on connection at both ends, with a fixed overall length of 65.375 inches and a 2.5-inch shaft diameter. Dorman 986-496 is a practical solution when the original shaft shows wear, vibration, or joint-related issues, and it is listed for the rear position on the Mercedes-Benz 300SD. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.
What This Drive Shaft Helps Address
- Driveline vibration from a worn or unbalanced shaft
- Clunking or driveline noise related to joint wear
- Loss of smooth power transfer to the rear axle
- Service needs caused by damaged yokes or tubes
- Replacement of an original rear drive shaft on Mercedes-Benz 300SD models
Installation Notes and Tips
Fits 1978-1980 Mercedes-Benz 300SD, rear. Confirm the compressed length, bolt-on end configuration, and shaft diameter before installation. Inspect mating flanges and driveline hardware condition during service, and verify alignment after installation to help maintain smooth operation. Part number 986-496 should be matched to the vehicle’s rear driveline configuration before ordering.
Quality Assurance
Dorman supplies this assembly as a standard replacement drive shaft with new yokes and tubes, and it is pre-balanced for installation readiness. Part number 986-496 is built to replace the original rear shaft on Mercedes-Benz 300SD applications listed above.
| Brand | Dorman |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 986-496 |
| Compressed Length | 65.375 |
| 10920 | No |
| 10920 | Non |
| End 1 Type | Bolt on |
| End 1 Type | Con perno |
| End 2 Type | Bolt on |
| End 2 Type | Con perno |
| Shaft Material | Acero |
| Shaft Material | Steel |
| Universal Joints Included | Oui |
| Universal Joints Included | Sí |
| Universal Joints Included | Yes |
| CV Joints Included | No |
| CV Joints Included | Non |
| Axle Nut Included | No |
| Axle Nut Included | Non |
| Grade Type | Reemplazo estándar |
| Grade Type | Standard replacement |
| Shaft Diameter | 2.5 |
| Slip Yoke | No |
| Slip Yoke | Non |
| Drive Shaft Length (In) | 65.375 in |
| Drive Shaft Wall Thickness (In) | 0.065 in |
| Drive Shaft Wall Thickness (In) | 0.065 in. |
| Espesor de la pared del eje motriz (in) | 0.065 in. |
| Longitud del eje motriz (in) | 65.375 in |
| Longitud total ajustable | No |
| Overall Length Adjustable | No |
| Overall Length Adjustable | Non |
| Package Contents | 1 driveshaft |
This part fits 3 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Drive Type | Transmission | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Mercedes-Benz | 300SD | RWD | Automatic | Rear | |
| 1979 | Mercedes-Benz | 300SD | RWD | Automatic | Rear | |
| 1978 | Mercedes-Benz | 300SD | RWD | Automatic | Rear |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.