84 Driveshaft ujoint replacement

[brimis]

I just read the Helms manual regarding the replacement of the driveshaft ujoints. Does the entire exhaust system actually need to be removed? I removed the cat to the mufflers. I can see the driveshaft pretty well. What about the support beam, does it need to come out?

 

[JonM]

Hi Bob...I vaguely remember doing my shaft a bunch of years ago...I find it easier to remove the entire exhaust system, rather then just pieces. I usually loosen everything up, put a jack under the cat then unbolt the rest and let the jack down. I know the book says to remove the beam, but I didn't...I just unbolted it slid it forward and then out. I found the best way to do repairs is to try the easy way first, and then take off only what obviously is in the way.

 

[brimis]

Jon, thank you, I turned in for the evening and will finish during the week.
Robert

 

[Alloydude]

I remover the Y pipe after the cat which gave me access to the strap clamps holding the U-joints to the differential and was able to snake the drive shaft out of the car. When I installed it I used the u channel in the driveline support beam to help guide the slip yoke back into the output shaft of the transmission. I got lucky and nailed it on the first try (individual results may vary). So I avoided removing the whole exhaust and support beam as my Haynes manual suggested. About the hardest part was trying to get all 4 bolts and the heat shield on the cat connected back to the Y pipe. Good luck

 

[brimis]

I remember when I removed the cat last year the shield can give you grey hair, thank you. I think I'll do the same.