65 Drive Shaft Removal

[Don H.]

I am trying to remove the drive shaft from my '65 (I have had it out before). The service manual says to loosen the carrier bracket and swing it down. I do not think I loosened this before and the rear mounting bolts (of the carrier bracket) will not come out, they run into the fiberglass body. What am I missing and/or doing wrong? Sorry if this is a no brainer but I am getting old! Thanks, Don H.

[Joe L.]

Re: 65 Drive Shaft Removal

I am trying to remove the drive shaft from my '65 (I have had it out before). The service manual says to loosen the carrier bracket and swing it down. I do not think I loosened this before and the rear mounting bolts (of the carrier bracket) will not come out, they run into the fiberglass body. What am I missing and/or doing wrong? Sorry if this is a no brainer but I am getting old! Thanks, Don H.

Don------


Yes, the bolts are long enough that the bolt heads will hit the driveshaft tunnel sides before they clear the bracket.

The driveshaft can be removed without removing or lowering the differential forward bracket. However, I have to admit it's a big PIA. This job would have been so much easier if GM had used straps with hex bolts instead of u-bolts for u-joint retention. The did use straps with hex bolts for 1968-70 with THM-400 and all 1971+.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 65 Drive Shaft Removal

I use a small ratchet wrench, just loosen the nuts and remove them. Slide the shaft forward and remove the front joints. Slide it out.

[Don H.]

Re: 65 Drive Shaft Removal

Thanks guys. I forgot and didn't notice that the front has removable yoke also. Like I said, old age. Thanks again, Don H. PS Obviously the service manual is wrong too!