Dorman 986-971 Drive Shaft - Rear

Dorman 986-971 Drive Shaft for Rear Axle Service

Dorman 986-971 is a complete drive shaft assembly for rear driveline replacement on select Dodge Ram heavy-duty trucks. It is pre-balanced and built with 100% new yokes, tubes, constant velocity joints, and universal joints for a direct replacement approach.

Key Features

• Complete drive shaft assembly for rear position service
• Pre-balanced for installation readiness
• 100% new yokes, tubes, CV joints, and universal joints
• Steel shaft construction with a 4-inch shaft diameter
• Pre-greased design
• Slip yoke end on one side and universal joint end on the other
• Standard replacement grade
• Compressed length: 60.25 in.
• Drive shaft wall thickness: 0.083 in.
• Phased at 0 degrees

Detailed Description

This Dorman drive shaft, part number 986-971, is built for rear driveline replacement on 1994-1995 Dodge Ram 2500 models with Sales Code DRD and 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 models with Sales Code DRL. The assembly uses steel tubing, comes pre-greased, and includes new yokes and joints to simplify service on worn or damaged driveline components. For buyers searching for a rear drive shaft for a 1994 Dodge Ram 2500 or a 1995 Dodge Ram 3500, 986-971 provides the specified length and configuration for the listed applications.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.

What It Helps Solve

• Vibration caused by a worn or out-of-balance drive shaft
• Clunking or driveline noise from worn universal joints
• Service issues related to damaged slip yoke components
• Replacement needs after tube or joint wear in the rear driveline
• Fitment-specific repair for Dodge Ram 2500 and Dodge Ram 3500 rear axle applications

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify axle code and rear application before installation. This drive shaft is listed for 1994-1995 Dodge Ram 2500 rear with Sales Code DRD (Dana M60 HD/248 mm rear axle) and 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 rear with Sales Code DRL (Dana M80 rear axle). Confirm the compressed length of 60.25 in. and the slip yoke/universal joint end configuration match the original part before service. Professional driveline installation and final inspection are recommended for proper alignment and operation.

Quality Assurance

Dorman supplies this assembly as a standard replacement driveline component with new yokes, tubes, CV joints, and universal joints. The pre-balanced construction supports a straightforward replacement process for the specified Dodge Ram applications.