The propeller shaft is a balanced cylindrical shaft which transfers engine torque from the transmission or transfer case to the front or rear differential carrier through universal joints (7). The number of propeller shafts and universal joint assemblies can be either one propeller shaft and 2 universal joint assemblies (two-wheel drive), or 2 propeller shafts and 4 universal joint assemblies (four-wheel drive). The sliding yoke is splined to the transmission or transfer case output shaft. The sliding yoke permits fore and aft movement of the propeller shaft as the differential moves up or down with suspension movement. The splines are lubricated internally by transmission or transfer case lubricant.

The pinion flange yoke (2) is bolted to the differential pinion flange and needs no lubrication. The propeller shaft is designed and built with the yoke lugs in line with each other. This design produces the smoothest running shaft possible and is known as phasing. The propeller shaft will absorb vibrations from speeding up and slowing on each revolution of the universal joints. A total cancellation of vibration produces a smooth flow of power through the driveline.

When servicing the propeller shaft and its components, exercise care during removal and installation procedures to make sure the propeller shaft is installed in the same position from which it was removed. It is necessary to make index marks (reference marks) on the propeller shaft pinion flange yoke and the differential pinion flange before removing them to ensure correct installation and alignment. If this precaution is not observed, a driveline imbalance may result, causing vibration, premature component wear or other problems.