So that I have this clear, jack the truck up in the rear high enough to get some jack stands on the frame and let the wheels hang down freely. If I am picturing this correctly the axel will hang down and this will also take the propeller tube with it, moving the universal ball back away from the engine.
Clear as mud- - - -The reason for suspending the axle is to prevent getting injured by the torque tube as it slams down onto your body, if you manage to get the ball pulled back and the U joint unbolted. You will still have to slide the ball back to expose the universal joint. Sand the tube shiny, and grab the ball with something stronger than your hands- - - -big channel locks, chain wrench- - - -strap wrench, etc. There are simply no shortcuts for doing things the right way the first time.
Remove the rear wheels and you won't have to jack the frame rails as high to suspend the axle housing and unload the springs. Why is common sense such an uncommon thing?
Jerry
