I am trying to replace my u joints on my rear driveshaft because they were squeaking. I have never done this job before. I got the four bolts off that secure the driveshaft but I can't get the damn thing to budge!
Are there any tricks? Am I doing something wrong?

I have the vehicle on the ground in park with the parking brake on. Could that be the problem? The manual said to raise the vehicle, but I though that was just to give you room to work. Does it have to be raised to get the driveshaft out?

Thanks for any tips.

 

Most important is to be on level ground with the parking brake set and the wheels chocked (front and back). I believe in being extra cautious. Remove the securing bolts from the front yoke and the rear yoke. After that, start as the rear yoke and lightly tap it with a hammer. The trick is to get it to break and slide forward, toward the front of the truck.

 

Or put a prybar between the u-joint and rear pinion and give it a good yank with one hand and hold the driveshaft with he other so it doesnt pop out and hit you.

 

Done that before too huh?

 

And the front just slides out of the trans. Put a pan under the tailshaft though. You might lose a little fluid. If so, it wont be much. Also mark the way the parts are currently assembled so they can go back together in the same way.

 

Ummmmmmmm. No.

 

I have the thing soaked with PB blaster and keep tapping harder and harder. No movement. I will give the prybar a try.

Do I have to replace the fluid after I have the driveshaft reinstalled? Or will it be such a small amount it doesn't matter?

 

Are you certain all bolts have been removed? PBlaster isn't going to do squat, but whatever floats your boat.

The amount of fluid lost is negligible.

 

Alright, with the prybar I was able to get a slight gap and got some more PB inside of it. I will try a little more prying after lunch.

 

Four Bolts