Spent the evening last night rebuilding the front driveshaft. I have to add my name to one of the lucky ones. Both non-greasable u-joints where dry and the bearings shot. Was just a short matter of time before they went.
First rebuild I have ever done myself on a drive shaft and I want to thank everyone who provided assistance. I couldn't have done it without the help from others on this forum and the documentation located within.
Still hope to get a TW shaft in the future, but at least now I have peace of mind that the shaft won't destroy my tranny now. Now to look forward to brakes and a lift in the hopefully near future with the driveshaft and head gaskets done in the last couple of months.
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2001 Discover II SE | 88K & counting! Replaced to date: throttle body gasket, plugs & wires, maf, head gasket, starter, front drive shaft, tensioner pulley, both idler pulleys Added to date: heated seats, large cup holders
Mods: Oil Pressure Gauge, ScanGaugeII, CDL, Electric CDL Actuator, RoverRacks Rear ladder, Limb Risers, ToddCo Front Drive Shaft, DI Wiper Arms, G4 Upper Rear Lamp Guards, No Amigos since 11/09
Coming soon: Install Greg Davis rear bumper, Replace 4 ball joints, Replace belt tensioners and pulleys.
For the future: .... wait and see....
Sorry, I didn't take pictures along the way. I followed the document from a previous post and it took me through every step of the process. The .PDF file is well written and easy to follow for someone who hasn't done this before. I ran into no real issues that couldn't be quickly solved. Hardest part was removing the centerball, but it eventually came out.
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2001 Discover II SE | 88K & counting! Replaced to date: throttle body gasket, plugs & wires, maf, head gasket, starter, front drive shaft, tensioner pulley, both idler pulleys Added to date: heated seats, large cup holders
did you take pictures? how did you remove the centering ball?
Forgot to add that I used a slide hammer to remove the centerball. I happened to know someone who had one and have to admit I would have never thought of using this tool if not for the documentation.
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2001 Discover II SE | 88K & counting! Replaced to date: throttle body gasket, plugs & wires, maf, head gasket, starter, front drive shaft, tensioner pulley, both idler pulleys Added to date: heated seats, large cup holders
Mods: Oil Pressure Gauge, ScanGaugeII, CDL, Electric CDL Actuator, RoverRacks Rear ladder, Limb Risers, ToddCo Front Drive Shaft, DI Wiper Arms, G4 Upper Rear Lamp Guards, No Amigos since 11/09
Coming soon: Install Greg Davis rear bumper, Replace 4 ball joints, Replace belt tensioners and pulleys.
For the future: .... wait and see....
Last edited by jycsalas : 10-28-2009 at 07:48 AM.
Reason: You beat me to the post... thanks for answering it....
Thanks for the 411 and reasurance it can be done...I guess the ease of centerball removal depends on how much heat got to it.
O.k. I'll add it to the to do list. I would rather rebuild vs buy one for $350.
I was very surprised at the process and initially had fears of tackling the job. I am not an experienced mechanic by any means and gave a lot of thought into buying a TW and just replacing it. With some reassurance from antichrist and DiscoMike, I decided it was at least worth trying since the cost was a lot better then $350 for a TW.
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2001 Discover II SE | 88K & counting! Replaced to date: throttle body gasket, plugs & wires, maf, head gasket, starter, front drive shaft, tensioner pulley, both idler pulleys Added to date: heated seats, large cup holders
I was very surprised at the process and initially had fears of tackling the job. I am not an experienced mechanic by any means and gave a lot of thought into buying a TW and just replacing it. With some reassurance from antichrist and DiscoMike, I decided it was at least worth trying since the cost was a lot better then $350 for a TW.
"The fear of the unknown is one of the strongest fear we have."
I know it's only eight bolts, it's the center ball that worries me.
so you used their exact method on removing the centering ball?
Yep. I used the slide hammer and broke off chucks around the lip of the ball, which is why he used a screwdriver and I ended up having to do the same. Mine didn't come out in one piece like his did though. What I call the 'seat' that the ball sits in did not come out with the ball. I had to work that out separately and it eventually came out.
Actually, other then that one difference, my process was exactly the same.
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2001 Discover II SE | 88K & counting! Replaced to date: throttle body gasket, plugs & wires, maf, head gasket, starter, front drive shaft, tensioner pulley, both idler pulleys Added to date: heated seats, large cup holders
When you guys work on your drive shafts, are you removing the grease plug and lubing the slip shaft on each of the drive shafts, if not you must or they can knuckle.
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Mike
Retired service manager, member of Solihull Society, SCLR, NCLR and the Santa Barbara 4Wheelers clubs.
99 D2, 3" lift, CDL with Detroit,T.T. lockers, 4:11's,H.D. axles, custom ft/rear bumpers with sliders, a 9500 HSI Warn winch and 5 HID's.
When you guys work on your drive shafts, are you removing the grease plug and lubing the slip shaft on each of the drive shafts, if not you must or they can knuckle.
I did DiscoMike. From what I have read, this should be done each time you grease the u-joints as part of normal maintenance. Is this still true?
Another question for you DiscoMike, what all needs to be done to the rear drive shaft? I haven't tackled that one yet and it's still stock as well.
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2001 Discover II SE | 88K & counting! Replaced to date: throttle body gasket, plugs & wires, maf, head gasket, starter, front drive shaft, tensioner pulley, both idler pulleys Added to date: heated seats, large cup holders
It makes mention of a U-Joint removal tool - did you use one?
Making a list of tools to get as I see them. Slide hammer, ujoint tool, BFH
I did not use the u-joint tool. I used a socket and sledge to bust the old ones out and then used a bench vise and same socket to press the new caps into place. There is definite value in the tool, I just didn't have access to one.
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2001 Discover II SE | 88K & counting! Replaced to date: throttle body gasket, plugs & wires, maf, head gasket, starter, front drive shaft, tensioner pulley, both idler pulleys Added to date: heated seats, large cup holders
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Front DS rebuild complete
Linear Mode
