HomeDriveline and Axles > Drive ShaftDorman 986-981 Drive Shaft - Rear
Part #: 986-981

Dorman 986-981 Drive Shaft - Rear

Rear
3 vehicles fit this part
Select your vehicle to confirm fitment
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OE Direct Replacement — Bolt-on fit, no modifications needed
Fitment: Ford, F-150
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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.

BrandDorman
Part Number986-981
Compressed Length104.5
10920Oui
10920
10920Yes
End 1 TypeBolt on
End 1 TypeCon perno
End 2 TypeBolt on
End 2 TypeCon perno
Shaft MaterialAcero
Shaft MaterialSteel
Pre-GreasedOui
Pre-Greased
Pre-GreasedYes
Grease Fitting IncludedOui
Grease Fitting Included
Grease Fitting IncludedYes
Universal Joints IncludedOui
Universal Joints Included
Universal Joints IncludedYes
CV Joints IncludedNo
CV Joints IncludedNon
Axle Nut IncludedNo
Axle Nut IncludedNon
Grade TypeReemplazo estándar
Grade TypeStandard replacement
Shaft Diameter3.5
Slip YokeNo
Slip YokeNon
Max Slip1
Max Slip1 in

This part fits 3 vehicles. Search below:

YearMakeModelDrive TypeLitersCylindersWheel BasePositionNotes
2017FordF-150RWD2.7LV6157.0"Rear9.75 In. Axle
2016FordF-150RWD2.7LV6157.0"Rear9.75 In. Axle
2015FordF-150RWD2.7LV6157.0"Rear9.75 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:

FL3Z4R602ACFL3Z4R602N

Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.