Front Drive Shaft Stuck??? HELP!!!

[AlsExplord]

So I had a clankity clank noise when pulling off and coming to a stop and serious vibration between 45 - 55 mph. I found out that it was a bad universal joint on my front driveshaft. Found a how-to on removing the driveshaft and replacing the u-joints which seemed to be straight forward with only one side of the drive shaft being a pain in the @$$ to remove the bolts. I got all of the bolts removed on BOTH sides of the drive shaft but cannot pull the shaft out. The side of the shaft closer to the front axle is off and hanging but the other end of it doesnt seem to want to budge. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG!!! UGGGHH!!! I am sooo pissed right now because I thought I had the hard part licked, even taking pics so I can post a how to for doing it on my vehicle(2001 Linc Navi A4WD).

I'm stuck and its my only means of transportation. HELP!!!!!

 

[AlsExplord]

So I got a couple of replies on other forums and I was told that the yoke does NOT come out of the transfer case on the front driveshaft so my flange must be rusted in place big time. Short of wacking the crap out of it with a hammer I wasn't getting it apart. So I sprayed some PB Blaster on it last night to free up any rust and will try to pry it apart later. I will update later to all that are interested.

 

[AlsExplord]

Got it off!

I finally got this summab*&^% off! Took me under a minute! Got underneath, took a hammer and a small screwdriver to wedge inbetween the flange and the transfer case who'syoumacallit, two taps later it fell off. Must have been damn near welded on with rust. Anyway, I took lots of pics and I will def post a how-to soon when I finish replacing the u-joints and re-installing the driveshaft.

Anyone know if it's safe to drive without the front driveshaft?

 

[AlsExplord]

Wow...51 views and not one reply yet :thumbdwn:

 

[Turdle]

well, you didn't try hard enough before posting now did you? How were we supposed to know your rust was welded?



Yes, you can drive with the front shaft removed.

 

[AlsExplord]

I would beg to differ Turdle; I was on my back breakin' my @$$ trying to get it out. Someone on another forum replied within 24 hours and told me where the driveshaft comes apart at, so short of indiscriminately whacking the crap out of the parts in the vicinity of the transfer case I wouldnt have been able to take it out. They were also able to tell me shortly after asking whether it was safe or not to drive without the front driveshaft in. I've used this forum alot in the past when I had a 1st gen Explorer and I usually got responses right away so I was taken aback abit with the lack of response I got this time.
But this forum still rocks; one time that didn't go well will not deter me from coming back. Once I'm done changing the u-joints and re-installing the driveshaft I will post a how-to. I've got plenty of pics.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You might want to use anti seize on the parts to help prevent this from happening in the future. We look forward to your how to on this.

 

[AlsExplord]

So i wake up early today to start working on the car. Plan was to replace the passenger side o2 sensor(because i got a CEL and I need to get an inspection), put the ujoints on the driveshaft and install, and maybe, if I had time and felt like it, drop the gas tank and fix my inoperable fuel sender.

I wanted to do the O2 first because I didnt want to wake up/annoy the neighbors with loud banging noises working on the driveshaft. All I have to say is one thing.....Whoever was the braniac that designed the placement of the upstream right side O2 SENSORNEEDS TO BE SHOT!!!!! What a stupid place for the sensor!!! Holy crap! So between off and on rain all day and the ridiculous location of the O2 sensor, I was only able to get the driveshaft put together and ready to install so no 'how to' yet.

I removed the wheel-well cover, loosened the dipstick and moved it to the side for access but no cigar. Next I will try to unbolt the cat from the head and see if that helps. PLEASE, anyone with suggestions or best way to remove the right side O2 sensor on a 2001 5.4L A4WD PLEASE send it this way...more to follow.

 

[Turdle]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209770


Access panel under console.

 

[AlsExplord]

You see Turdle, this is why I say this forum rocks! I should have known this. I had to do something similar a few years back when I had a 1st Gen Explorer. I may even have a post on here on it! I'm going to go this route when I get home.

Thanks Turdle!!!

 

[AlsExplord]

Hey Turdle. I PMd you so sorry if you get duplicate inquiries. I read thru the link. I took my center console apart but did not have the bracket that required a sledghammer to remove. At the top of the hump I see what appears to be a vent/duct. Before I replace my console, would you know if this access panel is on a 2001 5.4L A4WD Navi?