front drive shaft won't come out. Now it won't go back in.

[IAsnow goose]

I tried to take out the front drive shaft in my 1997 explorer. It wouldn't come out from the back(the end opposite the transfer case.) Now, I'm trying to put it back in, and it seems the driveshaft won't go back to length to get it back in. Anyone? Pleas?

 

[MountaineerGreen]

The slip joint should move freely allowing you to collapse the driveshaft to put it back in.

 

[IAsnow goose]

It won't move freely anymore. I tried to tap it back down so I can slide the front in, but it's a no go. It feels like something is messed up, that's for sure.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

You may have to take it all apart, clean and grease it. The splines on the slip will only go one way so as to keep the proper orientation.