Driveline R&R

[rrhayden]

Does anyone know of an easy way to remove the drive shaft fro inspection in a C4 Automatic.

 

[92ghost]

At the tail end of the drive shaft there are 2 "U" straps with two bolts each holding the universal joint to the differential shaft. Once removed the drive shaft will be free to drop. You may need to remove the support beam between the trans and differential/3rd member though. From reading my manual they also indicate it is very important to reinstall everything exactly the way it was before. In other words scibe a line on one of the "U" joints, the drive shaft and the seal to the diff/3rd member to make sure all is put back in the same location. This is a balanced assembly and it will cause a shake if not installed the same as before. PS. Haynes has a great shop manual for Vettes. I suggest getting atleast one manual. Approx: $20 - $25... Worth every penney.

 

[rrhayden]

Thanks for the info, I have a manual and it indicates you have to remove "the complete exaust system" I was hoping that it was not nessassary, and possibly there was a better way.

Thanks
Ron

 

[taegdh]

You only have to remove the exhaust aft of the CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. I wouldn't recommend doing it right after a long drive... Things do get warm in the vicinity of the exhaust pipes... You might get away with dropping the exhaust system down from the front and letting it rest on something to support it.
Once you undo the U-Bolts which are on the rear U-Joint, heist it up then wrestle it back, above the differential.
Once the front yoke clears the tailshaft of the transmission, work it forward, and be very careful not to let the caps and all those needlebearings fall off.

This is a job to be best accomplished on a lift, in clean surroundings!

 

[92ghost]

Yes. I totally spaced on the exhaust. Thanks for added info...


Wayne