66-427 remove drive shaft

[Richard E.]

Does anyone have a quick method for disconnecting the drive shaft at the differential end? It appears that dropping the differential carrier mounting bracket may be the only way to access the retaining strap nuts of the u-joint. Will dropping this bracket affect the rear end alignment or cause the differential to drop out of place making the bracket difficult to re-attach? I'm thinking that once I have the transmission out it may be a good idea to replace the u-joints just for preventative maintenance. Any comments are appreciated. Thank you.

[Joe L.]

Re: 66-427 remove drive shaft

Rich-----

I've always been able to get at these nuts retaining the u-bolts without removing the bracket. I won't say it's a picnic, but I've always been able to do it. You do have to rotate the driveshaft to put the nuts in a position where you can get at them.

If you wish to remove the bracket, it's not a big problem. Just put a jack under the differential unit to support it. Remove the bracket. The problem is when you re-attach the bracket you really need to replace the "snubber" cushions. However, it's not a bad idea to replace them, anyway. Who knows how old yours are and how deteriorated they might be? Regardless, though, if you remove the bracket you need to replace the cushions no matter what shape they're in.

I REALLY wish that GM had used strap-type attachment with bolts for u-joint retention on 63-67 and 68-70 with manual trans driveshafts. These u-bolts are a royal PIA. 1968-70 with THM as well as most 71-79 do use straps with bolts.