DRIVELINE

Front Driveshaft And U-Joints

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Raise and support the vehicle with jackstands.
2. Remove the transfer case oil fill plug from the back of the transfer case. Set a pan or similar container under the drain plug of the transfer case. Remove the drain plug and drain the transfer case.
3. Matchmark the front flange of the front driveshaft and the flange on the front differential with white paint, a yellow grease pencil or by a similar method. This will permit the shaft to be reinstalled in the same position for balance purposes.
4. Remove the nuts and bolts from the companion flange, and lower the front of the driveshaft. Slide the rear of the shaft out of the transfer case. Cover the opening left at the front of the transfer case with a clean rag or similar means so dirt will be kept out. Have a pan or similar container at hand to catch any transmission fluid which may leak out of the flange.

   Fig. 1: Driveshaft removal and installation — rear-wheel drive vehicles refer only to the rear driveshaft in the illustration

   Fig. 2: Matchmark the driveshaft and differential flanges with white paint, a yellow grease pencil or a scribe

   To install:

5. Apply SAE 80 hypoid gear oil (API GL-4) to the inner and outer surface of the sleeve yoke where it will enter the transmission or center bearing.
6. Slide the driveshaft end into the transfer hole, making sure not to damage the oil seal lip of the transfer case.
7. Align the marks on the yoke and companion flange; line up the bolt holes.
8. Install the nuts and bolts with the lockwashers on the back (nut) side of the flange. Tighten the bolts to 36–43 ft. lbs. (49–58 Nm).
9. Install the drain plug of the transfer to 22–25 ft. lbs. (29–34 Nm). Fill the transfer case with transfer case fluid, then install the fill hole plug to 22–25 ft. lbs. (29–34 Nm).
10. Lower the vehicle back to the ground.