Removal Procedure

Important:  Observe and accurately reference mark all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles before disassembly. These components include the propeller shafts, the drive axles, the pinion flanges, the output shafts, etc. All components must be reassembled in the exact relationship to each other as they were when removed. In addition, published specifications and torque values, as well as any measurements made prior to disassembly must be followed.

1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Reference mark the rear propeller shaft (3) to the rear axle pinion yoke (4).
Fig 1: Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Reference mark the front propeller shaft to the transmission or transfer case (slip yoke type) or to the transmission pinion yoke (universal joint type).
4. Remove the clamp (2) securing the boot (3) to the front propeller shaft stub shaft (4) and the rear propeller shaft slip yoke (1) by prying up the exposed end of the clamp (2) using a flat bladed tool (if applicable).
   Fig 2: Removing Clamp Securing Boot To Front Propeller Shaft Stub Shaft

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5. Remove the bolts (1) and the yoke retainers (2) from the rear axle pinion yoke (4).
   Fig 3: Removing Bolts & Yoke Retainers From Rear Axle Pinion Yoke

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   NOTE: When removing the propeller shaft, do not attempt to remove the shaft by pounding on the yoke ears or using a tool between the yoke and the universal joint. If the propeller shaft is removed by using such means, the injection joints may fracture and lead to premature failure of the joint.
6. Slide the rear propeller shaft forward in order to remove the propeller shaft from the rear axle pinion yoke.
7. Slide the rear propeller shaft rearward in order to disconnect the rear propeller shaft from the front propeller shaft stub shaft.
8. Remove the rear propeller shaft from the vehicle.
9. Remove the boot from the front propeller shaft stub shaft (if applicable).
10. Remove the center bearing support nuts (1).
    Fig 4: Center Bearing Support

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11. Remove the center bearing support (2).
12. Remove the front propeller shaft by sliding the front propeller shaft rearward from the transmission or the transfer case, w/o RPO MW3 or M74.
    Fig 5: Removing Front Propeller Shaft By Sliding Front Propeller Shaft

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
13. Remove the bolts and the yoke retainers from the transmission pinion yoke, w/RPO MW3 or M74.
    Fig 6: Removing Bolts & Yoke Retainers From Transmission Pinion Yoke

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
14. Remove the front propeller shaft by disconnecting the front propeller shaft from the transmission pinion yoke, w/RPO MW3 or M74.