Hey, I know this is pretty simple, I've done it before but it was a long time ago and I don't recall having a problem but..I got the 4 bolts off the front end of the rear driveshaft, but can't get it to separate from the transmission. I don't know how much I can abuse it to get it off, plus my engine's out, so when I really shake the driveshaft, the tranny's moving around quite a bit too...don't want it fall over!

Anyway, can I just hammer on it, or is there a little trick to getting it to separate?

 

Good slegde should nock it right off Its tuff just give it a good few wacks

 

Alright, great, thanks. Just making sure I wasn't missing something before I started hammering on it.

 

Ya just be carful that once you hit it it could swing down fast. A friend of mine got a concusion from one once

 

I may use the FSM method of tying it up to the frame or something, or just have a friend hold it....Thanks!

 

I find there is usually a notch on one side of the flange that you can get a chisel or large screwdriver into and either pry it loose or drive it in between the two flanges to separate them. Less likely to damage something as you are hitting the chisel. And a rope or bungee cord to catch the shaft when it falls free is a good idea.

 

Great tips like Always

 

Be sure to mark the flanges on both ends in grease pencil or chalk, unless you feel like re-balancing the whole deal once you put it back in.

 

Won't effect balance at all. Driveshafts are balanced outside the vehicle to begin with. I've had mine out many times with no ill effect on balance.

 

hit the yoke with a hammer before removing the bolts all the way. that way the driveshaft wont fall on your head when you hit it.

 

Thats if you pull the shafts apart, then yes mark!

 

Thanks, great advice. I was a little scared to pry between the two..I've been doing so much engine work lately with surfaces you don't want to scratch, so I was hesitant, but if it's cool I'll try that first.
Good idea with hitting it with bolts still on a bit, too. Kinda like leaving those last few threads on the steering wheel nut on before pulling it loose so you don't smack yourself in the face with the wheel when it comes loose

Unless I need the room, I'll just be leaving the differential ends connected, I'm just taking the transmission out, but I did mark it anyways since the manual says to. I think I need the front shaft rebuilt, actually though, so that one I'll need to mark. Thanks a lot everyone.

 

You say that now, but I removed the DS on my truck and put it in backwards and odd I had this vibration. I flip it around and it goes away???

 

Yes, sometimes the shaft will balance/phase better oriented one way vs. the other, all depends on how well centered the flange is:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri....shtml#Phasing

I've never run into this on my truck, though.

 

Thats what I figured, because I had it off and Iput it back on the opposite way by mistake and it vibes. Flipping it cured the issue, I had it recently balanced as well too, but I think your right RB.