1970 LT1 - Drive Shaft Removal - NCRS Discussion Boards

1970 LT1 - Drive Shaft Removal

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  • Stephen L.
    Very Frequent User
    • August 29, 2007
    • 205

    1970 LT1 - Drive Shaft Removal

    hi all - per the golden rules, i started off by doing a search on the topic of drive shaft removal, but got this in return got this as the result:

    "Search Results
    Messages Posted
    Within the Last 5 Year(s) 0 of 2,485 Messages Displayed
    (Reversed Chronological Listing)
    Messages Containing All of the Keywords:
    drive, shaft, removal"

    that is, zero - kind of surprised me - am i doing something wrong in the search (selected posts in last 5 years - all posts containing all the words "drive," "shaft," and "removal"??

    as to exactly what i am trying to do:

    Background

    - i have a 70LT1 that has the motor and tranny out

    - the drive shaft is connected to the diff and the entire rear end is in tact

    - i plan on doing a frame off and am content to start here as the car will not roll backwards

    - i am looking to (i) get the car to roll in either direction (right now it rolls forward) and (ii) get everything off that i can save what would be needed to allow the car (and eventually just the frame (chassis)) to roll

    - finally I am an absolute VIRGIN with respect to car restoration and/or repairs - this is my first "project" (ever) - so please be patient if it appears that i don't have even the most rudimentary knowledge of how a car is basically put together - I don't - but want to learn and am willing to work hard.

    Steps

    - given that the transmission is out, does this mean that the drive shaft and differntial can move freely (in other words, it is the tranny and nothing else (other than the brake system or something being broken)) that governs if the rear wheels can move?

    - if yes, i am assuming that the ebrake is not fully disengaging - i say this because the car rolls forward and so it is not the brakes being frozen in the engaged position - and i guess i answered my first question that yes the drive shaft and diff are spinning freely since it rolls forward

    - have searched the archives of another forum, I found this:

    "Yes, start at the rear. Unless you have a magic wrench you will have to rotate the shaft to get all the bolts loose. This means getting the rear wheels off of the ground and putting the car in neutral. Make sure you chock the front wheels so the car don't roll. After you get all the bolts removed from the rear u-joint then do the front. Again, just slip the trans into park if you need to lock the shaft to loosen the bolts. The front yoke will slide in towards the trans to allow the shaft to clear and be dropped and then just pull it forward. Use a rubber mallet to knock the yoke in towards the trans, but clean the yoke where it goes through the tailshaft seal so it doesn't tear the seal and start a leak later on."

    - but is that applicable to my case...that is, where the tranny is already out?

    - clearly the drive shaft can come out...but if i understand correctly, the bolts to remove the shaft are only accessible by removing "things" that are rear of it

    - i am looking mostly at pages K167, K168 and K169 of the 1970 AIM

    - when the poster says first remove the "rear u-joint" - is that item 1 or item 4 on page K168?

    - when he says the "then do the front" - is that item 8 on the same page?

    - and stepping back a huge step, high level, what is the order of what i am trying to do?

    * am i ultimately looking to just take off the brake system and leave the half shaft/diff assembly in tact?

    * i am guessing the wheel/tire cannot be on the frame without the half shafts to attach to (AMATUER WARNING)

    * again, i am happy to take as much off as i can now as a start to the project - but have to get at whatever is locking the wheels up when trying to roll backward

    So just looking for a HIGH LEVEL view of what needs to be done - will follow on with specific questions around how does this or that nut come off or other detailed questions - but not right now - also am already prepared for general restoration items like tons of pictures, baggies, tags, labels, etc.

    Many, many thanks - Stephen
  • Jim T.
    Expired
    • March 1, 1993
    • 5351

    #2
    Re: 1970 LT1 - Drive Shaft Removal

    Not being there I will just guess that when you move the car back that the driveshaft is locking up on the shifter brace or something else. I would remove the shaft before installing the motor/transmissin as a unit unless you have lots of help to line up the driveshaft yoke that goes into the 4-speed when you are installing the motor/transmission together. Mark your driveshaft so that you can get it reinstalled in the exact postion it is in now as connected to the rear end.

    Comment

    • tom444634

      #3
      Re: 1970 LT1 - Drive Shaft Removal

      Stephen,

      It is pretty easy to get the driveshaft out. You will need to get the rear of the car elevated so that you have room to work under it. The higher the better. Remember before you crawl under the car make sure it is safely elevated enough for you to work under it. Only use properly rated and placed jack stands or ramps. Do not rely on just a jack or cinder blocks. You want to be around to hear your LT1 come back to life.

      Once you get the car up in the air, you will need to get to the area where the front of the differential connects to the driveshaft. You will see that the u-joint is secured by either u-bolts or clamps. You will need to remove these bolts/nuts (3/8" wrench if I remember correctly.......). Access is tight and you will need to rotate the drivshaft (or tires) so you can access each of the four bolts/nuts. Since the trans is out you will need to keep the driveshaft from turning while you are trying to loosen the bolts. Sometimes your other hand will work, or your e-brake may do the trick if the bolts are being difficult.

      Once you get the bolts out, you may need a bit of force to get the u-joint out of the differential.

      I'm sure others will chime in on anything I missed or easier ways........

      Take your time, work safe, have fun and good luck!

      Tom

      Comment

      • William C.
        NCRS Past President
        • May 31, 1975
        • 6037

        #4
        Re: 1970 LT1 - Drive Shaft Removal

        If you have the engine out, and look in the area of the rear differential support, you will be able to see the rear U-Joint and the nuts holding it in place. A little time and a thin wrench will allow you to take the nuts off the U joint bolts and remove same to the front of the car.
        Bill Clupper #618

        Comment

        • Stephen L.
          Very Frequent User
          • August 29, 2007
          • 205

          #5
          Re: 1970 LT1 - Drive Shaft Removal

          many thanks guys - to be clear, the nuts and bolts i am trying to remove are items 8, 9 and 10 from AIM 1970 page K168?

          Jim - in terms of marking the drive shaft - i see that in the aim where the note accompanying "8, 9, 10" says "align paint marks" - given that i will be cleaning these parts up...what would you suggest to ensure that if i indavertently remove some factory alignment mark - or that after getting to clean metal and then repainting, i can still align - scribe a shallow line in the metal? - other?

          Tom - in terms of using a "little force" to get the u-joint out ... what is the technique to achieve proper force whithout damaging anything - piece of 2x4 against the u joint and bang on the wood? - other?

          Bill - you say with the engine out the u joint and nuts are visible - but from the AIM, seems as if the "U" points toward the front of the car and the nuts toward the back - is that right?

          THANKS ALL - this will be the first time touching the car - until know it has been fitting out the garage and getting prepared - here goes nothing!! - stephen

          Comment

          • Jim T.
            Expired
            • March 1, 1993
            • 5351

            #6
            Re: 1970 LT1 - Drive Shaft Removal

            Stephen I would mark the driveshaft and the connection piece for the driveshaft with something you can remember doing. No telling how long your car is going to be apart. Since you are going to be cleaning the driveshaft I would mark the metal in a manner where it would remain through the cleaning.

            Comment

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