OE Quality
60-Day Returns

Dorman 986-981 Drive Shaft - Rear
Dorman 986-981 Drive Shaft for Ford F-150
Dorman 986-981 is a complete drive shaft assembly for rear applications on the 2015-2017 Ford F-150 with a 9.75 in. axle. It is pre-balanced and built with new yokes, tubes, CV joints, and universal joints for a direct replacement approach.
- Fits 2015-2017 Ford F-150, rear, 9.75 in. axle
- Complete drive shaft assembly for driveline service
- Pre-balanced for installation readiness
- 100% new yokes, tubes, CV joints, and universal joints
- Steel shaft construction with 3.5 in. shaft diameter
- Phased at 90 degrees with 1 in. max slip
- Compressed length: 104.5 in.; drive shaft length: 105.5 in.
- End 1 and End 2: bolt-on
- Pre-greased with grease fitting included
- Standard replacement grade
Detailed Product Overview
This Dorman drive shaft is engineered for rear driveline replacement on the Ford F-150 and is identified by part number 986-981. It uses a steel shaft with a 0.083 in. wall thickness, bolt-on ends, and a phased design to match the original driveline geometry. The assembly is also listed with collapsed lengths of 104.5 in. flange face to flange face and 54.625 in. yoke to bearing, helping support accurate replacement selection for the specified truck application. This part cross-references Ford OE numbers FL3Z4R602AC and FL3Z4R602N for the same application.
Common Problems This Part Can Address
- Vibration from a worn or out-of-balance rear driveshaft
- Clunking or driveline noise from worn universal joints
- Service issues caused by damaged yokes or tubes
- Driveline replacement needs after shaft wear or impact damage
- Fitment concerns on 2015-2017 Ford F-150 rear axle service
Installation Notes and Tips
Confirm rear position fitment and 9.75 in. axle application before installation. Verify overall length, flange-to-flange measurement, and phased orientation against the original shaft to ensure proper driveline alignment. Inspect mating surfaces and fasteners during replacement, and follow factory service procedures for torque and balance verification.
Quality Assurance
Dorman supplies this assembly as a standard replacement drive shaft with new core components and pre-balanced construction for service-ready installation. The design focuses on restoring driveline function with the specified Ford F-150 application.
| Brand | Dorman |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 986-981 |
| Compressed Length | 104.5 |
| 10920 | Oui |
| 10920 | Sí |
| 10920 | Yes |
| 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 |
| Pre-Greased | Oui |
| Pre-Greased | Sí |
| Pre-Greased | Yes |
| Grease Fitting Included | Oui |
| Grease Fitting Included | Sí |
| Grease Fitting Included | Yes |
| 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 | 3.5 |
| Slip Yoke | No |
| Slip Yoke | Non |
| Max Slip | 1 |
| Max Slip | 1 in |
This part fits 3 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Drive Type | Liters | Cylinders | Wheel Base | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Ford | F-150 | RWD | 2.7L | V6 | 157.0" | Rear | 9.75 In. Axle |
| 2016 | Ford | F-150 | RWD | 2.7L | V6 | 157.0" | Rear | 9.75 In. Axle |
| 2015 | Ford | F-150 | RWD | 2.7L | V6 | 157.0" | Rear | 9.75 In. Axle |
* 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.