How to remove drift shaft from transfer case

[krackle]

Probably a stupid question but here it goes..

I've got a 97 explorer 4x4 SOHC and I've removed the 6 bolts from the drive shaft which connects to the transfer case, does the drive shaft just slide off or do i need to pull it out? I can't tell from all the rust and I don't want to beat the crap out of it with a hammer not knowing how it is connected to the transfer case. I can post pics if it helps

Tried to drop the other side of the drive shaft but didn't have the torx bits needed.

All this just to drop the tranny pan, gahh!!!!

Thanks for any help.

 

[Vargas]

Should be all it takes, once the six bolts are out.

 

[krackle]

One would figure, probably just rusted on. It should just slide off to the side, right?

 

[Vargas]

There may be an alignment ring on the flange which would require that it come away from the transfer case by an 1/8" or so before it can go sideways.

 

[Electrohacker]

beat it with a hammer

 

[KRWebster]

The front axle to transfer case mount will not slide sideways on the '97. There is a "cup" on the TC side that the axle "ball" fits in to. Once you remove those six screws and three plates that end of the front axle should slide out toward the front of the vehicle. I had to use PB Blaster on mine to get it to break free with a little assist from a rubber mallet. I don't know if it will slide out enough to clear the TC as I had removed the front axle to diff bolts but I think it will. I used the torx head sockets that you don't have...but can you get a socket on the outside of that torx bolt? I cannot remember.

 

[krackle]

The front axle to transfer case mount will not slide sideways on the '97. There is a "cup" on the TC side that the axle "ball" fits in to. Once you remove those six screws and three plates that end of the front axle should slide out toward the front of the vehicle. I had to use PB Blaster on mine to get it to break free with a little assist from a rubber mallet. I don't know if it will slide out enough to clear the TC as I had removed the front axle to diff bolts but I think it will. I used the torx head sockets that you don't have...but can you get a socket on the outside of that torx bolt? I cannot remember.

Thanks! Smacked the crap out of and it eventually broke free sliding forward.

 

[KRWebster]

My BFH is my favorite tool!