C3 - Drive shaft U-joints

[Jim K.]

I am replacing the drive shaft u-joints on my 71 big block 4-speed. Before I start is there anything special I should know? Does the braket(carrier bracket?) between the rear end and the frame cross-member need to be removed? Will there be enough room to remove the drive shaft easily? Thanks, Jim

[Mike Cobine]

Re: C3 - Drive shaft U-joints

No, you can get them out without taking the bracket out. Just be prepared for tedious wrench turning since you don't have much room at the back one. I don't know if they would fit, but those Craftsman ratcheting box wrenches might make things go a lot faster.

[Timothy B.]

Re: C3 - Drive shaft U-joints

You should mark the position of the shaft relative to the yokes and reinstall them the same way.

[george romano]

Re: C3 - Drive shaft U-joints

Use a long extension on your ratchet to get the rear U joint bolts off, no need to remove the bracket.
There was (at the factory) a yellow alignment paint mark on both the shaft and the diffy flange, but I doubt its still visible. Mark both the front and rear flanges so you can reinstall them the same way.

George