Section 750 (Driveshaft): Installation: Rear
Driveshaft removal is a two-person operation. Never allow the driveshaft to hang from the center bearing, or while only connected to the transmission or rear axle flanges. An assistant is required. If a driveshaft section is hung unsupported, damage may occur to the shaft, joint and center bearing from over-angulation. This may result in driveline vibrations or component failure.
During driveshaft removal or installation avoid any contact with the front and rear joint grease caps. Any damage to the grease cap caused by improper handling during installation or removal could cause a grease leak and subsequent damage to the CV joint. Do not pull on the shaft in order to remove the front joint from the transmission/transfer case flange, this could dent or dislodge the boot and cause a grease leak and subsequent joint failure.
Driveshaft bolts must be replaced with NEW . If NEW bolts are not available clean the old bolts and apply Mopar® Lock and Seal Adhesive or equivalent.
To avoid driveline vibration or damage, it is critical that all components are reinstalled in their original orientations.
- With the aid of an assistant, install the driveshaft into position at the axle flange and align the index marks (1) made upon removal.NOTE:
Driveshaft bolts must be replaced with NEW . If NEW bolts are not available clean the old bolts and apply Mopar® Lock and Seal Adhesive or equivalent.
- Install the driveshaft to axle flange washers (2) and NEW
bolts (1) by hand. Do not tighten at this time.NOTE:
Driveshaft bolts must be replaced with NEW . If NEW bolts are not available clean the old bolts and apply Mopar® Lock and Seal Adhesive or equivalent.
- Install driveshaft into position at the transmission flange. Align index marks made upon removal. Install the driveshaft to transmission flange washers (2) and NEW
driveshaft bolts (1) by hand. Do not tighten at this time.
- Position the center bearing (1) in place and loosely install the center bearing to body bolts (2) by hand. Do not tighten at this time.
- Tighten the driveshaft to transmission flange bolts (1) in a star pattern to. Refer to TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
- Tighten the driveshaft to rear axle flange bolts (1) in a star pattern to. Refer to TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .NOTE:
It is necessary to compress the rear suspension to ride height before securing center bearing to body. Failure to compress the rear suspension may result in objectionable noise and premature bearing wear.
- If a drive-on hoist is not used, compress the rear suspension (2) using screw-style under-hoist jack stands (1).
- Tighten the center bearing to body bolts (2) to the proper specification. Refer to TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
- Remove the cable ties holding the wood to the driveshaft and remove the wood brace.
- Install the heat shield (1) and the heat shield nuts (2).
- Install the rear exhaust system. Refer to MUFFLER, EXHAUST, INSTALLATION .