Propeller Shaft Replacement-Two Piece

Removal Procedure

Important: If either the front or rear shaft of a two-piece propeller shaft is replaced, the mating shaft must be re-balanced with the replaced shaft. Two-piece shafts have a notice affixed to them.

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands.
2. Reference mark the rear propeller shaft to the pinion flange and to the front propeller shaft, then reference mark the front shaft to the yoke at the transmission.
3. Remove the bolts at the pinion flange.





4. Remove the retainers (1) at the pinion flange.
5. Remove the rear propeller shaft.
6. Slide the propeller shaft (3) forward in order to disengage the rear universal joint from the pinion flange.
7. Slip the shaft off the spline.

Important: Do not allow the propeller shaft to incline unsupported, because the joint may fracture. Do not pound on the propeller shaft yoke ears. Never pry or place any tool between a yoke and a universal joint. You could damage the bearing seals. Tape bearing cups onto the yoke and the universal joints in order to prevent loss of the needle bearings. Slide the propeller shaft forward in order to disengage the rear universal joint from the pinion flange. Then slide the shaft rearward off of the front propeller shaft splines.

8. Clean the mating surfaces bearing caps, bearing straps and pinion yoke of corrosion using crocus cloth or 400 grit sandpaper.





9. Remove the bolts (3) from the center bearing support (5) to the hanger bracket.
10. Remove the propeller shaft (4) with the center bearing support (5) from the vehicle.





11. Remove the propeller shaft from the transmission.
12. Clean all parts with an approved solvent.
13. Inspect the outer surface of the front slip yoke for burrs. Burring damages the transmission seal.
14. Inspect for proper installation and uniform seating of the bearing cups.
15. Inspect the slip yoke splines for wear.
16. Inspect for twisted slip yoke splines or the wrong universal joint.

Installation Procedure





1. Lubricate the slip yoke splines.
2. Install the front propeller shaft into the transmission lining up the index splines.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





3. Install the bolts (3) at the center bearing support (5) to the center bearing hanger (1).
^ Tighten the center bearing retaining bolts to 58 Nm (43 ft. lbs.).





4. Install the rear propeller shaft (3). Line up the reference marks.
5. Slide the front end of the shaft onto the splines of the front shaft. Slide the front end of the shaft far enough forward in order to allow the rear universal joint to engage the pinion flange.
6. Seat the rear universal joint into the axle pinion flange.
7. Install the retainers (1).
8. Install the bolts.
^ Tighten the center bearing retaining bolts to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
9. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.