The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Pinion shaft and propeller shaft removal

I'm back working on my truck after a few months away, and am trying to remove the propeller shaft and pinion gear. There's a break somewhere, I suspect the propeller shaft, and am trying to disassemble the rear end to fix the problem.

I have the differential out, and the way the shop manual reads, the pinion shaft should just slide out. I can pull it out about a quarter inch, but then it hangs up ( pinion shaft ). I removed the three bearing retaining screws. (item 7 in the shop manual illustration) . Should I use a puller and a little more muscle? Just want to ask before I risk breaking something else.

Also, when I pull on the propeller shaft from the front, it comes out about a half inch and then hangs up. I think the damaged end of the shaft (if it's the shaft that's broken) is hanging up on the bushing. I can try to force it, but again want to ask you guys first.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

You will need to give the propeller shaft a good smack at the front to drive it back. The rear pinion bearing is very tight in the housing which keeps it from coming out easily.

Thanks Dave. I drove the pinion gear out as you said. The propeller shaft was broken near the forward end . I still have to get the front piece of the drive shaft out of the torque tube, since it's hung up on the bushing, but I can drive that out and will then have to shop for parts.