71 K10 front drive shaft remove and install help

[Chris 71 K10]

So I recently got this 1971 K10 from a friend who had it for years but did not really use it much and didn't have much history on it. The front drive shaft is in need of replacing and there are plenty of places to get rebuilt ones with a core swap. It looks like a pretty simple job. I may cuss the 4 bolts on the transfer case side of the shaft as I can't really see them but I can feel them enough to get to them. That part might be a slow process that I won't love but, is it really a simple as I think it may be or is there anything or special tool that may help? It seems like the 4 bolts on the rear of the double cardan and the 4 nuts on the front by the U Joint, then collapse it a little and it should drop right out. Does this sound right or am I missing anything before I get into it?

The pickup has a 350 motor, NP205 transfer case, TH350 trans if I understand everything correctly.

[57taskforce]

Yep just about that easy. Nice looking truck you’ve got there!

[Bigdav160]

Take the differential joint out first and straighten the shaft. The CV joint has fine threads and an angle on the joint is hard on the threads.

PS don't worry if you can't get the bolts completely out because of interference with the transfer case.

[jjzepplin]

I put the t case in "N" and unlock one hub and lock the other. I undo the one bolt that has the most clearance. 1/4" 12 point bolt if I remember. It takes a bit of time and I cramp up a bit... HAHA but then I unlock the hub and turn the shaft to reveal another bolt and lock the hub etc. I kick myself sometimes for not installing a later style flange that has nuts and bolts. Mostly because I had one and sold the t case it was on. FACEPALM! My rear flange is from a FURD one ton and has big bolts and a double cardan from Tom Woods. Nice unit.

[jaros44sr]

I had luck taking the trans cover off and out from interior, made it alot easier to access the rear bolts at the transfer case

[Chris 71 K10]

Thanks guys, always a helpful board with good tips and feedback.

[Travisarmenta]

Originally Posted by Chris 71 K10

So I recently got this 1971 K10 from a friend who had it for years but did not really use it much and didn't have much history on it. The front drive shaft is in need of replacing and there are plenty of places to get rebuilt ones with a core swap. It looks like a pretty simple job. I may cuss the 4 bolts on the transfer case side of the shaft as I can't really see them but I can feel them enough to get to them. That part might be a slow process that I won't love but, is it really a simple as I think it may be or is there anything or special tool that may help? It seems like the 4 bolts on the rear of the double cardan and the 4 nuts on the front by the U Joint, then collapse it a little and it should drop right out. Does this sound right or am I missing anything before I get into it?

The pickup has a 350 motor, NP205 transfer case, TH350 trans if I understand everything correctly.

Amazing truck. Post more pics so we can all enjoy.