Drive Shaft: Removal

On LS400 models equipped with air suspension, ensure ignition switch is in OFF position.
On all models, raise and support vehicle. Remove oxygen sensors from front of exhaust pipe. Remove exhaust pipe(s) to access drive shaft assembly. Remove heat shield. Remove crossmember brace(s). On GS300, GS400, LS400 and SC400, use 2 Variable Open Wrenches (09922-10010), to loosen drive shaft adjusting nut until it can be turned by hand. See Fig 1.
On GS300, GS400, LS400 and SC400, use paint to apply match marks to transmission companion flange and drive shaft flexible flange. DO NOT use punch marks. Remove 3 bolts inserted into transmission companion flange. See Fig 2. DO NOT remove bolts from drive shaft assembly side.

Fig 1: Tightening Or Loosening Drive Shaft Assembly Adjusting Nut (GS300, GS400, LS400 & SC400)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Fig 2: Removing 3 Drive Shaft Bolts From Transmission (GS300, GS400, LS400 & SC400)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Fig 3: Removing 3 Drive Shaft Bolts From Differential
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
On all models, use paint to apply match marks to drive shaft flange and differential flange. DO NOT use punch marks. Remove 3 drive shaft bolts on differential side. See Fig 3. DO NOT remove drive shaft bolts from drive shaft side.
On GS300, GS400, LS400 and SC400, separate flexible couplings from transmission side flange. On all models, separate flexible couplings differential side flange. If flexible couplings are difficult to separate from flanges, insert a screwdriver into drive shaft bolt hole. DO NOT allow screwdriver blade to contact rubber part of flexible coupling. Using care, pry flexible coupling from flange.
NOTE: During center bearing support removal, identify size of adjusting washers (if equipped), for installation reference. See DRIVE SHAFT ALIGNMENT .
On all models, place match marks on center bearing support bracket before removing center bearing support bolts. Hold center bearing support. Remove 2 center bearing support bolts and adjusting washers (if equipped). DO NOT allow drive shaft to exceed a 5-degree angle of movement.
On SC300, push drive shaft forward to disengage alignment pin from differential. Pull drive shaft yoke from transmission, and install Transmission Oil Plug (09325-20010 M/T; 09325-40010 A/T) to prevent oil leakage. Remove drive shaft assembly from vehicle.
On GS300, GS400, LS400 and SC400 models, push drive shaft forward to disengage alignment pin from differential. Remove drive shaft assembly from vehicle. DO NOT allow front shaft and rear shafts to become disconnected during removal.