OEM 2000 Chevrolet K3500 Drive Shaft

2000 Chevrolet K3500 Drive Shaft Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to Replace a Drive Shaft on the Front Axle (NP8) on 2000 Chevrolet K3500?

  A: Before replacing the propeller shaft on the front axle (NP8), choose neutral (N) on the transmission range select lever, remove the park brake and lift and support the car. If you have a Transfer Case shield, take it off and after that loosen and remove the nut holding the transmission control lever to the manual control shaft. Look for any movement in the universal joints and take out the Transfer Case boot clamp by pushing the end up with a flat tip. Mark every driveline part in relation to the propeller shaft and axles before you start disassembly; this will help you to assemble them again in the correct sequence. Note the placement of the propeller shaft against the front axle and then get rid of the bolts and retainers fixing the axle in place. Swing the front axle yoke (1) to line up the retainer ears with the hands pointed at 2:00 and 8:00 and while doing this, send the propeller shaft rearwards to release it. Turn the propeller shaft (1) 90 degrees so it is parallel to the Transfer Case output shaft and pull the propeller shaft boot (2) out of the groove inside the shaft. Then, slide the propeller shaft forward to remove it from the Transfer Case output shaft, as not to drop the bearing cap assemblies of the yoke end. Check if the propeller shaft is damaged. To install the Transfer Case, cover its splines with sufficient grease, especially using teflon grease (GM P/N 12345879) if you aren't sure what to use. Set the clamp into the groove where the propeller shaft boot connects, slide the propeller shaft splines into the opening of the Transfer Case output shaft and then snap the boot in place on that shaft. Ensure all the lines for alignment are matched, then fix the propeller shaft to the flange and finally fasten the retainer bolts to 20 nm (15 ft. Lbs.). Hook the transmission control lever back onto the manual control arm, put on the nut and tighten it to 28 nm (21 ft. Lbs.). Next, follow j43218's specifications to crimp the clamp. When done, if your vehicle has a Transfer Case shield, install it again, lower the car and set the steering column p to park (P).