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C- beam question

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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 12:04 PM
  #1  
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Default C- beam question

Does the c beam really have to be removed to drop drive shaft on 1989 automatic ? I think I have a bad drive shaft or half shaft u joint. With no stress on the drive line, and I slap the gas or when the car down shifts, I get a loud clunk. Under load there is no problem. I have had the car almost three years and it's getting worse. I had the rear gears ( complete Danna 36) changed out about 3 months ago and was told joints seemed ok, but I'm not sure about it. Car only has 48000 miles on it

Thanks in advance

Mike
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 12:41 PM
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this was years ago, but as I remember on my 85 (automatic), I did not have to remove the ("C") support beam to remove the driveshaft, even though as I recall, the FSM specified removal. I removed the differential pinion, u-joint straps and slid the driveshaft forward and dropped it down slightly. there was a minor interference with a sheet metal body flange near the differential. I took a small die-grinder, and removed about 1-2 inch X 1/8 inch from the flange at the interference point. it wasn't much, just enough, and the driveshaft came out without issues.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 01:29 PM
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Put the car on jackstands and get under it. With the tranny in 1st or park (automatic) turn a rear wheel back and forth. See where the slop is coming from; driveshaft ujoint, rearend, halfshaft ujoints. You don't have to guess here.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 07:26 PM
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The c-beam does not need to come out to pull out the drive shaft.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 07:59 PM
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I didn't have to remove anything on my 89 to get the driveshaft out , the shaft was tight getting out but it did come out...I would do like 383vett mentioned above to make sure it's the bearings first...WW
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Last edited by WW7; Feb 2, 2015 at 07:24 AM.
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Old Feb 1, 2015 | 11:08 PM
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Default you will undo the u joint straps then need to rotate the wheels to do the other side.

no type
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by bjankuski
The c-beam does not need to come out to pull out the drive shaft.
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Old Feb 5, 2015 | 02:12 PM
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this can not be repaired. Let me know where the car is and I will come tow it away.. for free even. Sorry about your luck. Just kidding. Like 383 says, jack up the rear end, turn the wheels back and forth, you WILL find the slop.
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