How tough to remove driveshaft?

[Heartman]

I need new u-joints on the rear driveshaft on my 03 Chev Suburban. I can save a few bucks if I take the drive shaft off and bring it in, instead of bring my truck in and having them do it.

Looks easy from search on internet - anyone have any opinion on this job? Seems to me the most difficult part is getting the truck high enough off the ground so I can easily access the four bolts where it bolts on to the transfer case. I don't have a lift.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Front or rear shaft?

[Heartman]

Rear drive shaft.

[Jeremy airjer W]

There are four bolts that hold it to the yoke on the rear end. The other end has splines and slips off from the shaft in the transfer case. Make sure the wheels are chalked and the truck is in neutral. As long as you can get under the truck near where it bolts to the rear end you won't necessarily need to be on jacks. Have a drain pan under the transfer case just in case any fluid spills out of it when you pull the shaft.The rear joint will probably be a little stuck in the yoke so don't be afraid to get on it with a pry bar.

[Heartman]

Looks pretty straightforward.

[Valv]

Make sure to mark the yokes, so you can install them in same position as they were before, this might eliminate eventual unbalancing.

If the driveshaft is 2 pieces, be sure to mark an outline on the center bearing mounting position on frame, so it won't be out of line.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Make sure to mark the yokes, so you can install them in same position as they were before

Um, if your replacing them there is no way to put them back in the same position?

[Valv]

Originally Posted By: Valv

Make sure to mark the yokes, so you can install them in same position as they were before

Um, if your replacing them there is no way to put them back in the same position?

Uhm, all the yokes are part of driveshaft(s), u-joints fit inside them. As might as well keep same position to avoid unbalancing.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Valv, we kind of miss you around here!

I guess I still don't understand why its important to mark them but it may be an "old school" thing . I have never marked anything before removing or replacing and have never had an issue?

[Macgyver55]

In Valvs defense, that is what were were taught in the "old school". Keep the yokes aligned as they were before removal just in case!

[Valv]

All I did is follow OEM Service manuals

[Jeremy airjer W]

Interesting!