### Front Driveshaft and U-Joints

#### REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Fig. 1: View of the common 4WD front driveshaft

Fig. 2: A grease fitting is used to insert grease into the U-joint

Only 4WD models are equipped with a front driveshaft.

Fig. 3: Common view of the 4WD front and rear driveshaft assemblies

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Place matchmarks on the flanges of the driveshaft and the differential carrier.

   Fig. 4: Place matchmarks on the flange and carrier

4. Remove the four nuts, bolts and washers and disconnect the front driveshaft from the differential housing.

   Fig. 5: Two wrenches are needed to remove the four bolts, and sometimes an air wrench

   Fig. 6: Once the four bolts are removed, pull the front portion of the driveshaft down and allow it to rest

5. Remove the center support bearing by removing the two bolts.

   Fig. 7: Unbolt the center support bearing . . .

   Fig. 8: . . . and using two hands pull the unit up and out of the . . .

   Fig. 9: . . . .transmission yoke

6. Pull out the driveshaft yoke from the transfer case.
7. Remove the driveshaft from the vehicle.
8. Install a transfer case output shaft plug into the transfer case to prevent fluid loss.

   To install:

9. Remove the transfer case output shaft plug.
10. Slide the driveshaft into the transfer case.
11. Connect the center support bearing by installing the two bolts. Make sure the bearing is installed with the drain holes facing down. Tighten the bolts to 27 ft. lbs. (36 Nm).
12. Align the matchmarks on the driveshaft and differential flanges.

    Fig. 10: Align the drive shaft match marks and secure all bolts

13. Install the four washers, bolts and nuts to the driveshaft and differential carrier. Tighten the bolts to 31 ft. lbs. (42 Nm).
14. Adjust the center support bearing to keep the intervals, as shown with the vehicle unladen condition. At the same condition, check that the center line of the axle direction. Adjust the bearing if necessary. Tighten the bolts to 27 ft. lbs. (36 Nm).
15. Lower the vehicle and connect the negative battery cable to the battery.