Several years ago, my '03Z went through a massive rebuild, body off. The shop found that the propeller shaft was slightly bent. When I asked how this might have happened, they said that most likely someone had lowered the rear cradle and transmission in order to pull the TT out, thus created strain on the propeller shaft (spline end). They said that the PROPER way to remove the TT was to keep the engine and the driveline all in one piece, remove it from the body and then pull it apart. Seemed logical at the time.

Fast forward, 10 years of moderate track use and the dreaded vibration (especially around 2,000 rpm) is increasing. Time to rebuild the torque tube, This time, I'd like to do it myself (moderate skills - a 4 post lift and most importantly... free time!). Like any CF enthusiast, I dove into the forums and Youtube to learn every step and every helpful trick that I could. However, one thing keeps appearing... No one talks about tilting the engine, removing the entire driveline or anything as scary as the shop told me 10 years ago... So, was that all just the "fake procedure"? Is it safe and acceptable to simply (slowly and gently...) lower the rear cradle and trans to then pull the TT out of the back of the engine? Where is the flexing of that approach absorbed? Sorry about quoted a movie, but, somethings gotta give...

I'd really like to hear your thoughts and opinions on this one.

Thank you in advance!
Jeff

 

Sorry, shop is full of it. You do not have to drop everything at the same time. Can you imagine what the labor would be on a clutch job if that were the case? I have done this task myself numerous times, and this is one of those tasks that I follow the service manual by the letter. I have never had a misstep, damaged anything by accident, forgotten to disconnect/reconnect anything, etc.

Dropping the drivetrain with the cradle attached just adds more weight and bulk to manage. Just follow the service manual. Support the trans, drop the rear cradle by itself, then work with the torque tube. So much easier, especially with a 4-post lift (I have as well). It's really an easy task with a lift (first time I did it was on jackstands ), people create more problems(some unseen) by trying to take shortcuts.

Of course, it would not be the forum if you did not receive a plethora of responses stating "I did it my way ...and I've never had a problem". Of course they never report back about the mystery vibrations, rattles, or other unexplained issues after the fact. Good luck.

 

Thank you very much for that!

Quick question, is there a link here in the forums (that still works) where I could download the service manual? I found some older links but they're no longer viable.

Jeff

 

No idea. I have never tried any of the freeware links.

 

I just finished with installing a clutch and rebuilding the torque tube in my 99. It was done on jack stands by disconnecting all of the stuff from the rear suspension and then lowering the whole rear end just enough to slide the transmission off the back of the supported torque tube, then removing the torque tube from engine. The engine rocks back easily on the mounts enough to get the transmission off the tube. Just don’t try to lower the rear end too much as the engine will hit the firewall area and damage it.

 

I don't know about electronic versions to download, but bruceg2016 is frequently selling factory service manuals in the C5 Parts section. That's where I got mine.

 

Hopefully, this helps.


I have this, too. Just not sure where to upload it.

 

That's definitely the no-frills version.