[s-cars] Off with the drive shaft

[bill mahoney]

Hello Mark,
WRT Drive shaft fun... I've removed it or semi removed it for yes some
tranny work on occasion, so here's what I recall.
We just used a length of 2 x 4 with some notches cut so as to facilitate
keeping the board tight along the drive shaft.  We secured to the board with
some long hose clamps.  Having a fixture like this or some other sort is
highly recommended for ease of handling, keeping it straight and reinstall.
Marking the drive shaft support bracket position worked fine.  I did not
have any shims on mine.
FWIW, I see now that 034 sells this $100 drive shaft support bracket.
http://www.034motorsport.com/product_info.php?products_id=579
Maybe you can be the first to try this out and let us know how it works?;)
I recall the rear end of the shaft was a bear to get off without the proper
tool (and know how,) but in the end the edge of a short dense piece of 2 x 4
and a five pound hammer did the trick.
While your at it you could check for what is one of my latest problems too,
which could probably cause some driveline vibration.  That is the two
bushings that attach the forward subframe cross member to the differential.
Now may be a good time to change these if they appear worn.  Problem is I
have no advice on how to tell if they are worn.  My own is obvious because
of the occasional metal to metal noise upon acceleration / deacceleration.
I have a new/used cross member coming tomorrow so I may know a part number
then.  Needless to say, my cross member is rusted enough that I just figured
to replace the whole thing.
ALSO while you're in there now is more than an excellent time for new ebrake
cables.  They will never be easier.  If not, at least tighten them up.
You'll see the one nut that does this for sure.
Hopefully you have a lift.  If not you'd best call Mike Platt cause he loves
this real man stuff;)
I have sort of retired meself from this heavy duty mechanic urS stuff and
will gladly outsource my crossmember and new throw out bearing repair to the
local mechanic race car wrench.  oh yeah!
I remain really good at and sickly enjoy new brake installs however.
HTH
That's allz I knowz
Bill~Shadetree Retired~M