Parts for your 2020 Ford Everest-Driveshafts

2020 Ford Everest driveshafts — what they do and how to look after them

Based on technical references including the Ford Everest/Ranger Workshop Manual (Section 205-01 Driveline), the 2020 Everest Owner’s Manual, and Ford Australia/NZ specification sheets for the T6 platform, the 2020 Ford Everest absolutely uses driveshafts. All models run a tailshaft (propeller shaft) from the transmission to the rear differential. On 4x4 variants there’s also a front prop shaft to the transfer case and front diff, with CV half-shafts sending drive to each front wheel.

In plain terms, the driveshafts transfer torque from the gearbox and transfer case to the diffs, and then out to the wheels. The rear tailshaft is a tubular steel assembly with universal joints (and a centre support bearing on two-piece designs), built to handle the Everest’s towing and off-road loads. Up front, CV shafts allow power delivery while the wheels steer and move through suspension travel. Without these shafts, the Everest wouldn’t turn engine power into forward motion, nor keep things smooth and quiet at highway speeds.

For servicing, it pays to treat driveshafts as critical driveline hardware:

• Inspection every service (or 10–15,000 km): check rear uni joints for play or rust bleed, feel the centre bearing for roughness, and confirm flange bolts are tight.
• On 4x4s: look over front prop shaft slip joint and both front CV boots. Any split boot means dirt and water inside — that’s a fast track to CV failure.
• After beach work or river crossings: rinse the underbody, then recheck boots, clamps and any balancing weights.
• Watch for symptoms: vibrations under load, a thump on take-off, driveline shudder at 60–90 km/h, or clicking on tight turns (CVs).

Replacement is straightforward but precise. Quality OEM or OEM-equivalent shafts are recommended, matched to VIN and drivetrain (4x2 vs 4x4, engine/gearbox combo). Mark the tailshaft orientation before removal to maintain balance, use new flange hardware where specified, and torque to spec from the workshop manual. If the vehicle runs a suspension lift or load-assist gear, driveline angles may change, a specialist can correct pinion angles or recommend a different tailshaft to avoid ongoing vibration and uni joint wear.

Keep the transfer case and diff oils to the correct Ford spec and interval — while they don’t lubricate the shafts directly, healthy fluids help the whole driveline live a long, quiet life.

FAQs

Does the 2020 Ford Everest have a tailshaft and CV shafts?
Yes. Every Everest has a rear tailshaft to the back axle. 4x4 models add a front prop shaft and a pair of front CV half-shafts. That setup is consistent with the T6 platform drivelines described in the Ford Workshop Manual and market spec sheets.

How can an owner tell if a driveshaft needs attention on a 2020 Everest?
Common giveaways include a clunk when shifting from reverse to drive, vibration on acceleration or at certain speeds, shudder on take-off, or a rhythmic humming that changes with road speed. A torn front CV boot and grease splatter is another red flag. Any of these signs warrants an inspection before a minor issue becomes a major repair.

How often should driveshafts be checked or serviced?
They should be inspected at each routine service (about every 10–15,000 km) and after heavy off-road, beach or water work. Check uni joints, centre bearing, flanges and CV boots. Many Everest joints are sealed-for-life, so “service” typically means inspection and replacement if wear or damage is found rather than periodic greasing.