Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Yukon XL, 2003 GMC Yukon, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 wheel drive shafts, 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 obtained prior to disassembly must be followed.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the transfer case shield, if equipped. Refer to the appropriate procedure:
- TRANSFER CASE SHIELD REPLACEMENT in Transfer Case - BW 4481-NR3
- TRANSFER CASE SHIELD REPLACEMENT TRANSFER CASE - BW 4482-NR4 in Transfer Case - BW 4482-NR4
- TRANSFER CASE SHIELD REPLACEMENT in Transfer Case - NVG 246-NP8
If equipped with the double clamp style boot, remove the clamp (4) at the transfer case (3) by prying up the exposed end of the clamp (4) with a flat-bladed tool.

Fig 1: Removing Transfer Case Clamp

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Reference mark the relationship of the propeller shaft (5) to the front axle pinon yoke (1).
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.
Remove the bolts (6) and the yoke retainers (7) from the front axle pinion yoke (1).
IMPORTANT: Avoid dropping the bearing cap assemblies of the yoke end.

Fig 2: Removing Bolts And Yoke Retainers From Front Axle Pinion Yoke

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Disconnect the propeller shaft (2) from the front axle pinion yoke (1).
Wrap the bearing caps with tape in order to prevent the loss of bearing rollers.
If equipped with the single clamp style boot, remove the propeller shaft from the transfer case output shaft by sliding the propeller shaft forward.

Fig 3: Removing Propeller Shaft From Transfer Case Output Shaft (Single Clamp Style Boot)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

If equipped with the double clamp style boot, perform the following steps to remove the propeller shaft from the transfer case.

Fig 4: Removing Propeller Shaft From Transfer Case Output Shaft (Double Clamp Style Boot)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. Remove the boot from the groove on the OD of the output shaft.
2. Remove the propeller shaft from the transfer case output shaft by sliding the propeller shaft forward.