Drive Shaft Removal

[jlampka]

Looking to remove the drive shaft from my 1971 C20 auto transmission pickup so I can replace the hanging bearing at midpoint between the two shafts. Should I start at the differential by removing the u-bolts from the u-joint? Will the splined shaft pull out of the transmission once the diff. end is removed?

[Chuck Burg]

Yes, remove ubolts at the rear end, unbolt the mid point bearing and it will slide out. Have a drip pan handy as fluid may run out the back of the trans

[CastIron]

Unbolt it at the differential and the support bearing and it will slide out. It's a good idea to mark things so you can put it back together exactly the way it came out. This will reduce the chance of any new vibration or other balance problems.

[Mike C]

And now would be a good time to replace that pinion seal which has a pretty significant leak. And I would guess you'll find diff fluid level low so a fluid change also a good idea.

[KEL]

Remember, once you remove the driveshaft,
the truck is no longer in park !

[jlampka]

Thanks guys! Sorry to bother everyone on Christmas.

Jeff

[KEL]

No problem.
That is what this site is all about.

[mcgoo26]

I just did this carrier bearing and u-joints yesterday on my truck. The mount was shot. Not too bad of a task. The u-joints were a little of a pain. As for the bearing, just pop the center u-joint out and and remove the bolt. You shouldn't need any special tools to pull the bearing, just a little persuasion. Oh and I couldn't have done it without my little helper. Good luck.

[GASoline71]

The 2 piece driveline is "phased" together. Meaning it is balanced at the factory as one piece. So if you do slide it apart, make sure you mark both shafts and then slide them back together the exact same way, aligning the marks you made. Or you will have vibration issues.

Gary

[70 C20 in progress]

Anyone have helpful hints on how to remove the u joint I can't get the bolt out I have all 4 nuts off but the bolt is stuck in place solid I've used PB blaster and a rubber mallet even tried wedging a screwdriver but I can't seem to get it to budge on my 70 C20

[palallin]

Pics would help us help you. Which bolt?

[70 C20 in progress]

In the first picture above it's got a U shaped bolt with 2 nuts on the backside I removed the nuts but the bolts won't come out and I've used all my strength trying to just pry the driveshaft off but I got nowhere

[Andy4639]

If this is the picture you are talking about it looks like someone welded it up.

Not a 100% sure though but it looks to be. You may have to grind it a part and then buy a new rear pinion yoke for it also. It want matter about the union cause you need to replace it anyway.
You could even cut it off with a saw all's.

[70 C20 in progress]

The one on my truck looks a lot better than that guys does I just didn't take a picture of mine and didn't see the reply until I got upstairs in my apartment mine just looks old but still clean

[70 C20 in progress]

This is mine

[rockyrivermark]

Heat
Posted via Mobile Device

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by 70 C20 in progress

This is mine

OK,

yea that looks a lot better than that first picture does!


Yea a little heat and take the center bearing support loose don't take the bolts completely out but have it where it can slide toward the front so when you smack it, it can move and hopefully slide out.

[70 C20 in progress]

My center bearing is completely shot I didn't realize until the rubber gromet popped off just need these U screws to come off so I can figure out why exact size of bearing I need to buy

[70 C20 in progress]

I got this truck earlier this year knowing it needed work but didn't know my bearing was bad to this extent until it was too late