Propeller Shaft Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lexus GS 430 and 2003 Lexus GS 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

REMOVE EXHAUST PIPE ASSEMBLY
1. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor.
2. Remove the 2 bolts and front floor center brace.
3. Disconnect the exhaust pipe assembly from the O-rings
4. 2JZ-GE Engine:
  Remove the 3 bolts, nuts and 2 gaskets from the exhaust manifold.
5. 3UZ-FE Engine:
  Remove the 4 bolts nuts and 2 gaskets from the exhaust manifold.
6. Remove the exhaust pipe assembly.
REMOVE 2 HEAT INSULATORS
1. Remove the 6 bolts heat insulator.
2. Remove the 4 bolts and insulators.
REMOVE PROPELLER SHAFT
1. Using SST, loosen the adjusting nut until it can be turned by hand
  SST 09922-10010
  
  HINT:
  
  Use 2 of the same type of SST.
  
  Fig 1: Loosening Adjusting Nut
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Place matchmarks on the transmission companion flange and flexible coupling.
3. Remove the 3 bolts installed from the transmission side.
  NOTE: The bolts installed from the propeller shaft side should not be removed.
  
  Fig 2: Placing Matchmarks On Transmission Companion Flange And Flexible Coupling
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Place matchmarks on the differential companion flange and flexible coupling.
5. Remove the 3 bolts installed from the differential side.
  NOTE: The bolts installed from the propeller shaft side should not be removed.
  
  Fig 3: Placing Matchmarks On Differential Companion Flange And Flexible Coupling
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. Separate the flexible couplings from the transmission and differential.
  HINT:
  
  If the flexible coupling cannot be easily separated by hand, insert a screwdriver into the bolt hole of the flexible coupling as shown in the illustration, then pry the coupling out.
  
  NOTE: Do not bring the screwdriver blade In direct contact with the flexible coupling's rubber portion.
  
  Fig 4: Separating Flexible Couplings From Transmission And Differential
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
7. Remove the 2 center support bearing set bolts and adjusting washers.
  HINT:
  
  Some vehicles are not equipped with an adjusting washer.
  
  NOTE: When removing the set bolts, support the center support bearing by hand so that the transmission and intermediate shaft, and propeller shaft and differential, remain in straight line.
  
  Maximum joint angle: 5°
  
  Fig 5: Removing Center Support Bearing Set Bolts And Adjusting Washers
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. Push the rear propeller shaft straight forward to compress the propeller shaft and pull out the propeller shaft from the centering pin of the differential.
  NOTE: Press the propeller shaft straight ahead to keep the transmission and intermediate shaft aligned straight.
9. Pull the propeller shaft out toward the vehicle's rear.
  NOTE: The intermediate shaft and propeller shaft should not be separated.
  
  Fig 6: Pulling Propeller Shaft Out Toward Vehicle's Rear
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002