Removal and Replacement

Driveshaft













Removal and Installation

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Jacking and Lifting Service and Repair.

2. Index-mark the driveshaft centering socket yoke and the rear axle pinion flange.





3. Index-mark the driveshaft and the transmission extension housing.





4. NOTE: If new driveshaft flange bolts are not available, coat the threads of the original driveshaft flange bolts with threadlock and sealer.

Remove and discard the 4 rear axle pinion flange bolts.

- To install, tighten to 112 Nm (83 lb-ft).





5. NOTICE: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke from the flange. Pry only in the area shown, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the yoke from the flange or damage to the component may occur.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the rear axle pinion flange.





6. NOTE: Do not rotate the driveshaft after making sure the transmission extension housing and the driveshaft index marks are aligned.

Lower the rear end of the driveshaft to clear the rear axle housing. Pull the driveshaft rearward until the driveshaft slip yoke clears the transmission extension housing.

- Plug the extension housing to prevent fluid loss.

7. NOTICE: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern as shown or damage to the component may occur.

NOTE: Install the driveshaft with new bolts. If new bolts are not available, apply sealer to the threads of the original bolts.

NOTE: Inspect the extension housing seal for damage. Install a new seal if necessary.

NOTE: Lubricate the slip-yoke spline with grease.

NOTE: If installing a new driveshaft, align the factory-made yellow paint mark at the rear of the driveshaft tube with the factory-made yellow paint mark on the rear axle pinion flange as closely as possible. If the paint marks are not visible, refer to Driveline System - General Information Testing and Inspection for driveshaft indexing.

NOTE: Inspect the mating surfaces on the rear axle pinion flange and the driveshaft centering socket yoke for foreign material and for damage from nicks or burrs that could prevent the flanges from fitting tightly together. Repair damaged areas or install new components as necessary to make sure a tight fit is obtained.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.