GM 22845694
Drive Shaft, Front

The first step to replace a front propeller shaft includes lifting the vehicle while taking off the Transfer Case shield if present. The narrow jaw clamp of j 43218 clamp pliers - narrow jaw (J 43218) should be used to prise up the exposed end of the Transfer Case clamp. Notate where the propeller shaft fits with the front axle pinion yoke before you take off its retaining bolts and yoke mounters from the front axle pinion yoke. The propeller shaft removal should occur from the front axle pinion yoke with bearing caps tied by tape to avoid roller loss. To detach the propeller shaft move it forward while extracting it from the groove on the Transfer Case output shaft. Check the splines on the Transfer Case output shaft for proper lubrication then use gm p/n 12345879 when applying lubrication (Canadian P/N 10953511) or equivalent products. Reposition the propeller shaft boot before installing its clamp and slide the propeller shaft splines through the Transfer Case output shaft. The propeller shaft should be attached to the front axle pinion yoke with proper reference mark alignment from removal. Securing it requires the yoke retainers and bolts tightened to 25 n.m (18 lb ft). Finish the operation by placing boot onto the Transfer Case output shaft and use j 43218 clamp pliers - narrow jaw (J 43218) to crimp both clamps before installing the Transfer Case shield and lowering the vehicle.

Avoid damaging the injection joints by not pounding on the yoke ears or using tools between the yoke and universal joint.

Install the yoke retainers and bolts, tightening the yoke retainer bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

Remove the bolts and yoke retainers from the front axle pinion yoke, taking care not to drop the bearing cap assemblies.

To 25 Nm (18 lb ft).

Do not pound on the yoke ears or use a tool between the yoke and the universal joint, as this may fracture the injection joints.

Raise the vehicle and remove the clamp at the transfer case by prying up the exposed end with a flat-bladed tool.

Slide it into the transmission or transfer case, align the reference marks, and snug the bolts without torquing them.

Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft, slip yoke, universal bearing caps, and transmission or transfer case, then install it ensuring the marks are aligned.

Remove the bolts and the yoke retainers from the rear axle pinion yoke.

Install the propeller shaft into the transmission or transfer case, aligning the reference marks made during removal, then install it to the rear axle pinion yoke, again aligning the reference marks.

Secure the bearing caps with tape.

Accurately mark all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles before disassembly.

Install the universal joint retainers and bolts.

Disconnect the propeller shaft from the front axle pinion yoke and wrap the bearing caps with tape to prevent loss of bearing rollers.