Spaggs

I've got a 2003 ZO6 and have the torque tube out. I had a difficult time getting the drive shaft out of the tube until I read where you just tap it out. I tapped and tapped with a plastic hammer and finally got it out. Now that it's out, I can't get it back in. I've got it in position where it seems all I would need to do is tap it back in. No such luck. I've used the plastic hammer, banged on wood blocks and with sledge hammer handles; still no luck.

Any suggestions on how to get this thing back in?

Thanks ahead of time.

Spaggs

Spaggs

There are three (3) threaded holes on the transmission end of the shaft. Do these have anything to do with securing the drive shaft inside the torque tube?

Thanks.

Spaggs

Spaggs

Just a note: my Z is a 2003 with approximately 36,000 miles on it and both couplers and the bearings were in "like new" condition. It has five (5) or six (6) HPDEs on it with really hard running.

I think I may have found the answer: use a small piece of pine 2 x 4 as a buffer between the drive shaft and a bigger hammer.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Spaggs

Spaggs

Tried the 2 x 4 of pine and it broke in two. I then wrapped a fuzz free cloth around a 4" x 4" x 12" block of cedar. I used a 5 lb short handled sledge and wailed away. After 10 minutes of beating this thing, it finally went in. I used a set of 9" snap ring pliers to take the big snap ring off - no problem, but trying to put it back on is a no go. I ordered on Amazon a pair of OTC 16" snap ring pliers that should be here shortly.
Just thought I'd write this up, since there might be someone else who has this question.

Spaggs

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