driveshaft removal

[noackrite]

here is another dumb question to where the answer is in the question.
do i have to drop the gas tank to remove the driveshaft?

[007_SuperCoupe]

Are you replacing the driveshaft as well? If all you are doing is replacing the transmission you don't need to completely remove the drive shaft. You will need to loosen the rear suspension and remove the axles from the differential (don't forget to get new seals for the differential), then loosen the diff itself so it can move back or even drop down. Then you'll have enough play to get the driveshaft removed from the tranny. You'll need an extra body to help disconnect the driveshaft though. The 12-point bolts have locktite on them and without someone making sure the tranny is in P or N as desired, you'll be hopping up and down an awful lot!

I would get the driveshaft loose before you remove the axles as you'll be able to use the brakes to assist in keeping the driveshaft stationary while you break the bolts loose. Just letting you know what I've been through in the past. Much easier that way.

[sportinh2o]

I was trying to drop the shaft on my bird for towing on a dolly. After much sweat to get the 4 bolts off (not easy at all with that thread locker), I decided that it couldnt really be done easily, since the pumpkin would have to be dropped...

[007_SuperCoupe]

Ah, but if all you were doing was towing it on a dolly, those 4 bolts were all you needed. You can push the driveshaft forward just enough to clear the pinion and that would be enough to keep the tranny from spinning. The differential can spin, but just not the tranny. Food for thought for next time...

[sportinh2o]

For sure! That's what I ended up doing. I could only get about a 1/2" gap between the two and was actually sweating it for about the first 20 miles...was imagining an accidental engagment over the fuel tank...haha.

Man I was cruising thru your Bird pics. Got a lot of love in that car man...it shows.

[007_SuperCoupe]

Thanks! Of course, most of those pics are meant to be flattering pics. Right now I feel like the car is neglected though! This year I finally get to continue some of the mods I've had in the works for a few years now. Once completed, it should be running in the 12s in the quarter mile. I still have a long way to go though, but I can at least start making some progress now! Stay tuned for more...

[sportinh2o]

Thought this would fit best under driveshaft removal thread.

Removing axles...I have hit a road bump in that part. I am exchanging (upgrading) rearends. From the mechanic friend that I bought the new rear end from, we went over the removal process, but its not working so far. I thought it was because the rear suspension was still under compression (on ramps)...not the case. I can pop out the axles about 2 inches and it feels like there is a retainer holding it from coming completely out. I'm obviously missing something here.

Good news is that the fuel pump has been completed .