OEM Chevrolet K3500 Drive Shaft

Chevrolet K3500 Drive Shaft Parts Questions & Experts Answers

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

  A: The first step to replace the propeller shaft on the front axle for all models except np8 is to raise the whole vehicle and remove the front differential carrier cover if it's there. Each driveline element such as the propeller shafts, axles, pinion and output shafts, needs to be marked so that they all go back in the same order after removal. First, tag which bolts are connected to the front axle and the transfer case flange and then remove all the bolts and retainers from these parts. Keep the injection joints safe by not banging on the yoke ears and making sure to avoid using any tool in that space. Gently remove the propeller shaft, move it forward to open up and afterward move it backward, making sure not to let the bearing cap go. After using an approved solvent to clean up the parts, look at the splines, Universal Joint bearings and propeller shaft to see if anything is wrong. For the installation, bring the propeller shaft out completely and then pull it back in around half its original stroke. Put the propeller shaft on the front axle by matching the references you made earlier, then put in the retainers and bolts and lock them with 20 nm (15 ft. Lbs.) of tightness. The next step is to install the propeller shaft into the transfer case, fix the reference marks, change the length and prop the shaft before putting in the retainers and bolts, tightening them to 20 nm (15 ft. Lbs.). If the shield is available, put it back on the front differential. Whenever the slip spline appears corroded or dry, disconnect the propeller shaft before you clean it. Lastly, keep applying the chassis lubricant to the slip spline grease fitting until you see grease appearing through the vent hole.