u-joint "slipped" out of rear drive shaft..

[metalhed]

That's about the best way I can describe it.. Where the driveshaft meets the rear axle, there's a big chunk taken out of the driveshaft where the u-joint goes, and where it's broken the u-joint is just barely hanging on.. Mainly because it's resting on the mounting plate. All the other prongs are still in where they need to be, but it's pretty twisted up.

Sorry if this is confusing, but I don't really know how to explain it. It's a 2wd 91 explorer. It still drives (odd..), but the shake is awful, and I don't know how much longer it's gonna last.

I'm wondering how I'm gonna get this off (top bolts are obscured by the drive shaft), and when I do, where can I get a good replacement (reliable but fairly priced).

Thanks for the help.

 

[RealXP8]

If you rotate the rear wheels while the truck is in the air are the bolts now on the bottom? Accessable.
Look in the phone book, you can probably find either a junk yard or a place that specializes in driveshafts. Believe it or not they are out there.
And from what i get from your description your minutes away from being stranded.

 

[dejello]

set the e-brake cable, put it in neutral and turn the shaft.. Then put it back in park to lock the shaft in place...

 

[metalhed]

Hmm.. I tried getting the bolts off but they're basically frozen in place.. Applied some lube, and used a torque wrench, but no luck.. Got out my ratchet again and tried to free it up, but the socket just stripped the outer edges of the bolt.. Not good.

I guess I should have taken a look underneath before I got my hopes up about an easy fix : (

From what it looks like, I'm about to lose an arm and a leg having to pay someone to do something for me that I'd rather do myself anyway. But I really don't see too many other options right now. I could get another drive shaft, and I've already got the u-joints, but I don't have the tools (ie-a torch) to remove the frozen bolts.

 

[dejello]

I let mine soak in wd40 for a day, and still had to muscle like crazy to get it off.... I used my tires as a point to push from for the rear and the frame for the front...

 

[RealXP8]

Go to a store, anywhere almost, buy a cheap torch, it's not going to cost much. you only need it once. Heat um up for a while and they will come off. It definetely works. I had to do it on my mustang, not too long ago.

 

[metalhed]

Here's a newbie question.. Would I be able to find replacement bolts once (if) I get the others off. With the heat from a torch it seems like the integrity of the metal will be compromised and prone to failure down the road?

Trying to get a game plan right now, because I really don't want to have to drive around picking up odds and ends when I find out I don't have what I need.

Unfortunately for me I'm just a do-it-yourself-in-training. I can change the oil, replace air/fuel filters, change the plugs and wires.. Basic stuff. This to me seems like a big undertaking and I want to do everything right the first time.

 

[RealXP8]

Local ford dealer probably has them in stock since i'm sure they are used on more than one vehicle.

Though i don't think your little blow torch is going to ruin the old bolts. If you reuse them make sure to use some locktite, and check to see if they are tight every couple times you drive it. Trust me i know from experience that they will loosen up if you don't use air tools.

You should be more worried about breaking the wrench or ratchet you use to take them off. Make sure they are good quality or you will going to the store to get more.
And make sure to use sockets or wrenches with the same amount of points. Another thing is don't have your truck leaning towards the back you might lose some trans fluid.

 

[metalhed]

All fixed and put back together.

Woke up around 11 this morning and got started and finally finished around 7 this afternoon. Reused the old driveshaft.. After I took it off and inspected it, I noticed that the only things that got damaged weren't critical.

I don't think the ujoints have ever been replaced on that thing (175k miles), man they were rough. Lots of hammering. And then a little more hammering. After that, just a tad more hammering.

Replaced the fuel filter and cleaned the MAS while I was at it. Not a bad day overall, and it runs smooth as silk.

Thanks for the help : )