Removing drive shaft

[mikey_350]

i got a 1978 z 28, and i have never taken the drive shaft off this car, how do i do it? There looks to be some sort of nut on the rear deft ( i have the tranny and engine out already, so the front is slid off, Do i have to take the U joints out on the universal? or can i just undo the nut?

 

[Kamikaze]

First mark the driveshaft and the differential to locate the joint in the right position so that you can put it back in the right orientation.

Take a look at the U-joints at the rear differential. There are two sets of U-bolts that go through the pinion yoke that you undo at the rear.

Once the bolts are undone, you push the whole drive shaft forward and drop the U-joint down , (take some tape to keep the caps on the joint) and then pull the shaft out backwards.

You should have a drain pan to catch the transmission fluid as it runs out of the tailshaft.

 

[li0nhart123]

I think there were a few different styles of connecting the the U-Joint to the rear yoke.

My Chiltons tells me that their could be either a flange or strap type connection for the U-Joint to rear yoke...I have the strap type (1981).

If you have a u-bolt that passes through the yoke and is attached by nuts...be careful not to over tighten them when you put the drive shaft back in. Otherwise you will squash the U-Joint cups and cause them to wear out real quick.

 

[3SLO5]

driveshaft bolts are 7/16 socket so you can bring it with you under there.

 

[79camaro2001]

I've had to use a wrench to get mine off. But it was straps instead. Also to get new straps if you want to, Napa use to sell a very thick nice quality straps kit.

Also, put the jack stand under the car body and not on the axle as you need to have the axle hanging to get the driveshaft out.