Driveshaft(s) — removal and installation
Caution: When removing the driveshafts, do not pound on the yoke ears or use a tool between the yoke and the universal joint; the joints may fracture and may fail prematurely.
Rear driveshaft Removal
1. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
2. Place the transmission in Neutral with the parking brake off.
3. Make reference marks on the driveshaft and the pinion flange in line with each other (see illustration). This is to make sure the driveshaft is reinstalled in the same position to preserve the balance.
3.3 Mark the relationship of the rear driveshaft to the differential pinion flange
4. Remove the rear universal joint bolts and retainers. Turn the driveshaft (or wheels) as necessary to bring the bolts into the most accessible position. To prevent the driveshaft from turning when you loosen the bolts, insert a large screwdriver through the driveshaft yoke (see illustration).
3.4 Insert a screwdriver through the driveshaft yoke to prevent the shaft from turning when you loosen the bolts
5. On vehicles with a two-piece driveshaft, remove the fasteners from the center support bearing.
6. On all models, tape the bearing caps to the universal joint to prevent the caps from coming off during removal.
7. Lower the rear of the driveshaft. Slide the front of the driveshaft out of the transmission or transfer case.
8. Wrap a plastic bag over the transmission or transfer case housing and hold it in place with a rubber band. This will prevent loss of fluid and protect against contamination while the driveshaft is out.
Installation
9. Remove the plastic bag from the transmission or transfer case and wipe the area clean. Inspect the oil seal carefully. Procedures for replacement of this seal can be found in Chapter Automatic transmission.
10. Slide the front of the driveshaft into the transmission or transfer case.
11. On models with a two-piece driveshaft, raise the center support bearing into position, install the fasteners and tighten them to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
12. Raise the rear of the driveshaft into position, checking to be sure the marks are in alignment. If not, turn the rear wheels to match the pinion flange and the driveshaft.
13. Remove the tape securing the bearing caps and install the clamps and bolts. Tighten all bolts to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
Front driveshaft (4WD models) Removal
14. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the differential carrier splash shield, if equipped.
15. Pry open the clamp securing the boot at the transfer case output shaft (see illustration). Disengage the boot from the shaft and slide it forward.
3.15 Pry up the end of the boot camp and dislodge the boot from the transfer case output shaft
16. Mark the relationship of the driveshaft to the front differential companion flange (see illustration).
3.16 Mark the relationship of the front driveshaft to the front differential companion flange, then remove the bolts and clamps
17. Remove the bolts and clamps from the differential flange.
18. Push the driveshaft to the rear far enough to separate it from the differential flange, tape the bearing caps to the universal joint to prevent the caps from coming off during removal.
19. Lower the driveshaft and pull the shaft out of the transfer case.
20. If necessary, remove the clamp and the boot from the driveshaft.
Installation
21. Slide the rear of the driveshaft into the splines in the transfer case output shaft.
22. Attach the front end of the shaft to the differential companion flange (be sure to line up the marks), remove the tape and install the clamps and bolts and tighten all of the bolts to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
23. At the rear end of the shaft, push the boot up over the transfer case output shaft and seat it into its groove. Insert a small screwdriver between the boot and the shaft to equalize pressure inside the boot, then install a new clamp and crimp it into place with a pair of clamp-crimping pliers.
24. Install the front differential carrier splash shield (if equipped).