Driveshaft Center Carrier Bearing

[Fred Swanson]

I have figured out that my carrier bearing on the rear driveshaft is bad....can I pull only the front driveshaft bolts at the transfer case and drop the complete shaft down leaving the rear u-joint bolts at the pinion in or do I have to pull the rear and take the complete shaft out? Thanks, Fred

[layson]

I am pretty sure you have to take the whole driveshaft out.

[Tony V]

Actually if its like my old ford ranger you can actually slide it back far enuff to take it out after you take those u clamps off it. Not sure on our trucks though.

[Fred Swanson]

It looks like I may be able to just drop the front section only....the rear u-joint bolts are not wanting to come out....too small of heads to hold socket or wrench....don't want to heat in fear of taking out pinion seal and or burning u-joint....have it soaked up with PB I will try to remove later, just thought the front might give me the access to the carrier without dropping rear....Fred

[bigwhite7.3stroker]

you should be able to get away with just doing the front but not positive when I did mine I replaced the u-joints also so I removed the whole thing

[Tony V]

its what like an 8mm? if i recall

[Fred Swanson]

Yes, the rear bolts are 8mm heads...Front of rear shaft bolts are like a
12mm - 12point style

[layson]

You can take it out in two pieces but just mark it so it goes back together the same way.

[Fred Swanson]

I need to know if I can leave the back u-joint bolted in and drop only the front to change the carrier..........can/will that work???

[CADASH]

You should be able to leave the aft half of the driveshaft still connected to the rear end. When its out of the way remove the nut holding the u-joint carrier to the shaft. Like 23 or 24mm or something like that. Then remove the bolts holding the front half of the shaft to the transfer case and then remove the bolts securing the center support bearing. Front half of shaft should be out now. Clam shells and a press will assist in removing the u-joint carrier and center bearing. Install is reverse. Make sure the center bearing is installed all the way on the shaft positioned properly as well as the u-joint carrier. Just remembered, I think the proper name for "u-joint carrier" is yoke.


Just did all this recently!!