Good Day All,
I own a 2016 F150 4x4 Crew Cab 5.0 V8 157” Wheel Base with a 9.75 Rear End.
suffering from the dreaded drive shaft vibration at 60 to 70 MPH.
So looking for options to replace it.
Ford has it on back order now for 6 months, Dorman is not producing them any more.
Are there any other options out there? I am at a loss.
Also, drive line repair places will not work the drive shaft to to the un-replaceable OED carrier bearing.
any help would be greatly appreciated.
Ford PN is FL3Z-4R602-U
Dorman PN is 986-550
Thanks!
Steve

 

I had the same problem 2 yrs ago. Check out Fort Wayne Clutch and Driveline https://fortwayneclutch.com/

There will be a sticker on your existing driveshaft with a part number on it FL34-4K145-## where the ## is the specific code for your application.


Put this number into their part number search and find the one that fits your truck. It lists wheel base and rear end type (8.8 vs 9.75). Mine was a FL34-4K145-XD but they didn't have the -XD, instead they had an -XC which was compatible so you may have to call them to verify fitment. These driveshafts are new with a replaceable center carrier bearing. It solved my vibration problem and has been flawless for 2 years and about 20k miles.

 

Axlshaft,
Thanks for the lead on this!
I did hit their website, but I could not find compatibility with my truck specs.
I think this is going to worth a call tomorrow.
My drive shaft PN on the sticker is FL34-4K145-UD.
This is one letter off from yours, but maybe compatible.
I will report back my findings.
Steve

 

 

If you search for FL34-4K145-UD, FL34-4K145-LB comes up. If you click on one of the items and click the description tab it lists several part numbers that are covered and yours is one of them.



The FL34-4K145-LB_CONV is the one with the replaceable center carrier bearing. I would still call to verify this fits your truck, that's what I did for mine. My truck has the 8.8 axle so the part number I purchased was different than this one.

 

Had the same issue a little over a year ago (as well as parts availability). I cant remember what the price tag was on OE replacement, but I couldn't wait so I had a local drivetrain specialist make a 1-piece aluminum. Have had zero issues and will never have to worry about the non-serviceable carrier bearing/staked u-joints again. IIRC the driveshaft installed ran about $800.

 

One option
https://driveline1.com/shop/ols/prod...r-bearing-call

 

I placed a call over to Fort Wayne Clutch this AM and talked with Scott.
Gave him the FL PN off of the drive shaft, and he produced the spec for their replacement.
Just over 600 bucks including shipping.
Placed the order today (Tuesday), production started today and will finish tomorrow and get shipped.
I should see the new drive shaft on Friday.
This is a two piece, balanced as one with a replaceable carrier bearing in the middle. Sounds like the carrier bearing is like the Dodge or F250 size and spec.
With all of the effort with Ford and all of the car parts places to try to find a replacement, one call and 15 minutes I was set.
Thank You Axlshaft, great recommendation.
I will post some pictures of the new drive shaft when it arrives for reference and their design.
Steve

 

you must have a shorter WB. I got told Aluminum will not work for my 157" WB.

 

Good Day All,
Well the new drive shaft arrived from Fort Wayne Clutch and Drive Line on Friday, just as they said it would. Packaged very well and made it safe and sound. The quality and design is soooooo much better than the OEM. Completely serviceable if ever needed in the future of the truck. Definitely worth the money. I was amazed at how little weight was used to balance the shaft assembly. The original has so much more weight added. The big carrier bearing is what it should have had from the get go.
Installation is next, I will report any issues.
Enjoy the pics, after a Chicago winter, this will never look this great again.
Steve