play in rear driveshaft?

[maddawg308]

Getting ready to install the rear driveshaft that Bob Cowen sold me a while back, but had a question about front/rear movement. My old one that was bent, the shaft moved fore/aft by sliding on the splines, in order to allow for proper installation and in order to extend/contract a bit during operation. This new one from Bob doesn't seem to move. Is it stuck? It is compressed and won't expand to bolt up to the rear pumpkin.

Any help is appreciated. I don't wanna have to bring this to a driveline shop after I went through the trouble of rebuilding the U-joints.

[Barrman]

The slip yoke on the rear shaft has a felt type lining/washer inside it. Along with 2 metal clips that are cut to fit on the splines. If they are rusted or just not oiled, they won't move very much. I would suggest you soak it in penetrating oil and keep trying to move it. It is made to move.

I had the exact same problem with the winch drive shaft on my M35. Lubricate and pull.

Also, if you are close to the proper distance, but just say 1/2" or so short, try this. Jack up the frame and let the rear axle droop all the way down. Due to the geometry, the shaft will probably be the proper length at full droop. Bolt it in and let the frame down. Your ambulance will stretch the yoke out for you. (You can not remove the rear drive shaft with the rear axle at full droop because all the slip in the yoke is taken up already.)