Front driveshaft help

[b0xcar]

I pulled the front shaft a week ago. I've been driving the jeep with the shaft removed. I finally got around to replacing the ujoints and cv joint. I'm trying to bolt the shaft back up and it's coming up a little short.

What did I screw up or are there any tricks to getting this shaft back on?

 

[Daryl]

Pull on it, it’ll extend at the slip joint.

 

[Mattific]

Probably just collapsed down. There are splines on the shaft that allow the driveshaft to extend or collapse. Just pull on that end to get it to extend and fit back in the yoke

 

[b0xcar]

That's what I thought, it's not moving.

 

[TJ4Jim]

That's what I thought, it's not moving.

Well it is going to have to move if you want your driveshaft back, you may have to cut the straps holding the rubber flex in place to inspect the joint.

 

[bobthetj03]

It has to have movement in the slip yoke. If it ain't moving something is no es bueno!

 

[Jerry Bransford]

The grease inside the splined slip joint is likely just cold enough that it's stiff and has a grip on the splines. Just use a little muscle to pull it out enough to bolt into place.

 

[b0xcar]

The grease inside the splined slip joint is likely just cold enough that it's stiff and has a grip on the splines. Just use a little muscle to pull it out enough to bolt into place.

I used all the muscle I had... so much that it gave me a headache. Lol

I just cut the boot off. Gave it a few good taps with a hammer. I have enough movement now to get this thing back on. Am I ok to run this with no boot?

 

[Daryl]

Slip joint most likely needs serviced/replaced. Normally that’s done when changing the u-joints.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Am I ok to run this with no boot?

Yes, just lightly grease the splines before reinstalling it. Avoid greasing them so much so the grease could pack the female half which would prevent the shaft from being able to compress when needed.

 

[b0xcar]

Sounds good, thanks for everyone help!

 

[Blackjack]

If the slip yoke does not telescope a couple of inches freely by hand then it must be addressed.

 

[b0xcar]

If the slip yoke does not telescope a couple of inches freely by hand then it must be addressed.

It is moving freely now.