Driveshaft Removal
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Driveshaft Removal
How can I remove the driveshaft of my 1980 C3 when the rear bolts at the differential yoke can barely be seen? it's sitting on the rear wheels. I suppose I have to remove the half shafts so I can turn the driveshaft to remove the rear bolts. The transmission has been removed. Any suggestions?
Last edited by Last Special; Nov 3, 2012 at 05:42 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: New York
You have to use a 1/4 inch ratchet and extension at least thats how I did it on mine this past week , also the bolts are 12 point which makes getting a socket on them easy. And it is a lot easier if ya just set her on jack stands .
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Okinawa Okinawa
You can jack up the rear of the car and turn the driveshaft by your hand. Just make sure you mark the driveshaft to make sure you put it in the same way and not 180 degrees off.
I used a socket and wrench with a 6 and 3 in extender to get at the bolts. Supper easy with the tranny already out.
I used a socket and wrench with a 6 and 3 in extender to get at the bolts. Supper easy with the tranny already out.
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Driveshaft Removal
My problem is that the car is jacked up on its wheels, so I can't turn the driveshaft to get at the bolts. That's why I asked about disengaging the halfshafts, at one end. Does this help explain my situation any better?
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Driveshaft Removal
I'm not arguing with you, but I'm confused now. Are you saying that I can't disengage the inboard U-joint of each halfshaft (so I can rotate the differential to remove the propeller shaft) without rotating the wheels? Are you also saying that I can't disengage the outboard halfshaft U-joints without turning the wheels? Thanks for your clarification.
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
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From: Crossville TN
He's saying that you have the same "issue" with half-shafts that you do with the driveshaft. You have to raise the rear wheels so that you can turn them to gain access to the bolts. And this has to be done while not allowing the wheels/half-shafts to droop and not be able to turn freely.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: McHenry Illinois
You can't disconnect the half shafts because they are the upper link in the rear suspension and the weight of the car is forcing them in toward the diff, even if you can get to the bolts. To turn the drive shaft you will have to raise the rear wheels, if the posi is weak, you may get away with raising one wheel.
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Driveshaft Removal
Yes it is jacked up high and set on blocks. I can't jack it up any higher or it will be unstable and unsafe. I have to figure out a way to rotate the halfshafts without having to rotate the tires.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Central Texas
You may be able to remove the driveshaft without rotating the yoke but of course it would be far easier. It sounds like you have it up in the air enough to get under it. I lay with my feet facing the rear of the car. Look down the driveshaft towards the differential. You can see the four attaching bolts. I then use a very long extension on a 1/4" ratchet. On the end is a 12 point 1/4" socket. You can put a small amount of grease or a piece of paper towel inside the socket. This will keep the bolts from falling out after unscrewing them. Then CAREFULLY move the bolt and tools toward the front of the car down the driveshaft. I've done this before and it works. Good luck my friend! 
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Driveshaft Removal
Street Rat, thanks for your suggestion. I will try it. For additional information, would you know if I could disengage the inboard (or outboard ) halfshaft U-joints so I could rotate the propeller (drive) shaft and the differential? It would be good to have that option.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Central Texas
You can't disconnect the half shafts because they are the upper link in the rear suspension and the weight of the car is forcing them in toward the diff, even if you can get to the bolts. To turn the drive shaft you will have to raise the rear wheels, if the posi is weak, you may get away with raising one wheel.
