C1 Driveshaft removal?

[John H.]

With the differential removed from my recently purchased 1961 Corvette, I am unable to just pull the drive shaft/yoke assembly from the T10 4 speed transmission. I believe the joint is just a splined connection and should just slide out of the transmission tail housing? I assume this is not good as the driveshaft can't freely move in and out of the transmission as the rear suspension travels? Any thoughts on what has caused this condition and how to get the yoke removed from the transmission?

[Ray K.]

Re: C1 Driveshaft removal?

John

Most likely the splines on the main shaft ( out put shaft ) are twisted and the yoke is bound up on the shaft. This used to happen to us frequently when drag racing with early T-10's. You will need a hammer or some sort of puller to remove it, may be something similar to an axle puller. Stay out of the way when it releases.

Ray

[Jim D.]

Re: C1 Driveshaft removal?

The majority of T-10's that I've seen have had twisted splines. That was one of many weak spots in them and if the car had any traction, they would twist. Plan on a new mainshaft (expensive) and probably a yolk once you get it apart. Sorry for the bad news.

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 Driveshaft removal?

Yep, sounds like the classic twisted T-10 tailshaft.
You SHOULD be able to GENTLY persuade it to come out with careful use of a mallet or some kind of soft hammer.

[Jerry W.]

Re: C1 Driveshaft removal?

Here's a twisted spline from our T10....replacement not cheep

[David H.]

Re: C1 Driveshaft removal?

I'm feeling pretty good about the T-10 I bought from Carlisle. My drive shaft yolk installs and removes from it like a hot knife thru butter!

[James O.]

Re: C1 Driveshaft removal?

Another reason they twist is the standard chev yoke is often used where the splined area is shorter than the corvette yoke which is longer and slides over more of the tailshaft. Make sure you use that longer yoke. also i found that the new replacement corvette yokes appear to be a chinese casting compared to the originals which were forged. I would try to find used original with the correct long spline.

[Richard T.]

Re: C1 Driveshaft removal?

Had this problem a few times over the years. Use a good size hammer and a long drift with the tip placed on the yoke. It will take a few (or more) sharp whacks but eventually it will pop out. Finding a new mainshaft can be tough. I got an NOS one on e bay a few years back and used ones turn up often. Just make sure that a yoke will slide smoothly on the replacement shaft. It's also a good idea to inspect the yoke and replace if there's any doubt. Don't forget a new bushing for the tail housing. Good luck. Rich

[John H.]

Re: C1 Driveshaft removal?

Thanks everyone for the information and solutions for the fix, you have been most helpful! This forum is a great source of information for a rookie like me.