Propeller Shaft (Drive Shaft)
CAUTION:
DO NOT tilt propeller shaft down or upward at either end. Damage to internal bushings will result. DO NOT allow propeller shaft to drop or hang from coupling flanges during removal.
CAUTION:
It is very important to protect external surface of coupling flanges from damage after propeller shaft removal.
CAUTION:
If removal of propeller shaft is necessary, mark rubber couplers at front and rear flanges for installation reference. Deattach couplers from flanges only. DO NOT deattach couplers at propeller shaft.
NOTE:
The propeller shaft and rubber couplers are serviced as an assembly. DO NOT try to repair any component of propeller shaft.
The propeller shaft is an all aluminum one-piece shaft. See Fig 1 . It uses flexible rubber couplers at each end that attach to drive flanges. Alignment bushings are pressed in at each end to positively align propeller shaft to drive flanges.
The propeller shaft is balanced by manufacturer to prevent vibration. Before undercoating a vehicle, propeller shaft and rubber coupling flanges should be covered. This will prevent undercoating from causing an unbalanced condition and vibration. Use exact replacement hardware for attaching propeller shaft. Exact replacement with original Mopar parts will ensure safe operation. The specified torque must always be applied when tightening any fasteners.