GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Propeller Shaft Replacement Except NP8

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
  2. Remove the transfer case shield, if equipped. Refer to Shield Replacement in Transfer Case.
  3. Important: Accurately reference mark all driveline components prior to disassembly to ensure correct component alignment upon installation.

  4. Reference mark the relationship of the propeller shaft to the front axle and the transfer case flange.
  5. Remove the bolts and the bearing cap retainers from the front axle.
  6. Remove the bolts and the bearing cap retainers from the transfer case.
  7. Remove the propeller shaft.
  8. Compress the propeller shaft forward enough to disengage, then move the propeller shaft rearward.
  9. Avoid dropping the bearing cap assemblies from the yoke ends.
  10. Clean all parts with an approved solvent.
  11. Inspect the splines for damage, wear, burrs, and twisting.
  12. Inspect the universal joint bearings for wear.
  13. Inspect the propeller shaft for any evidence of damage.

Installation Procedure

  1. Extend the propeller shaft to its full length, then compress it about half its stroke.
  2. Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft and front drive axle yoke.
  3. Install the propeller shaft to the front drive axle yoke.
  4. Support the free end of the propeller shaft.
  5. Install the bearing cap retainers and bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the retainer bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

  7. Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft and the transfer case.
  8. Adjust the propeller shaft length.
  9. Install the propeller shaft to the transfer case.
  10. Install the bearing cap retainers and bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the retainer bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

  12. Install the transfer case shield, if equipped. Refer to Shield Replacement in Transfer Case.
  13. Important: If the slip spline is dry or corroded, it may be necessary to disconnect the propeller shaft from the vehicle. Wipe the spline clean before installation.

  14. Apply chassis lubricant at the slip spline grease fitting until the grease begins to leave through the vent hole.

Front Propeller Shaft Replacement NP8

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 43218 Clamp Pliers

  1. Position the transmission range select lever to Neutral (N) and release the park brake.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle.
  3. Remove the transfer case shield, if equipped. Refer to Shield Replacement in Transfer Case - NVG 246-NP8 (Two-Speed Automatic).
  4. Remove the nut securing the transmission control lever to the manual control shaft.
  5. Remove the transmission control lever from the manual control shaft.
  6. Check the universal joints for looseness.

  7. Object Number: 319774  Size: SH
  8. Remove the boot clamp at the transfer case end by lifting up the exposed end of the clamp with a flat bladed tool.
  9. Important: Accurately reference mark all driveline components prior to disassembly to ensure correct component alignment upon installation.

  10. Reference mark the relationship of the propeller shaft to the front axle.

  11. Object Number: 319782  Size: SH
  12. Remove the bolts and the bearing cap retainers from the front axle.

  13. Object Number: 360953  Size: SH
  14. Rotate the front axle yoke (1) until the retainer ends are at the 2 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions.
  15. Disengage the propeller shaft by moving it rearward.

  16. Object Number: 360936  Size: SH
  17. Rotate the propeller shaft (1) 90 degrees in relation to the front axle yoke (2).

  18. Object Number: 360961  Size: SH
  19. Slide the propeller shaft boot (2) out of the groove on the OD of the output shaft (1).
  20. Remove the propeller shaft from the transfer case output shaft by sliding it forward.
  21. Important: Do not drop the universal joint bearing cap assemblies.

  22. Remove the propeller shaft.
  23. Inspect the propeller shaft for damage.

Installation Procedure

  1. Lightly coat the splines of the transfer case output shaft with grease GM P/N 12345879, Canadian P/N 10953511.
  2. Place the new clamp in the groove of the propeller shaft boot.

  3. Object Number: 319760  Size: SH
  4. Install the propeller shaft splines into the transfer case output shaft.
  5. Install the boot onto the transfer case output shaft until the boot fits into the groove on the OD of the output shaft.
  6. Install the propeller shaft to the front axle.
  7. 5.1. Line up the reference marks made previously.
    5.2. Install the propeller shaft to the flange.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 319782  Size: SH
  8. Install the bearing cap retainers and bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

  10. Install the transmission control lever to the manual control shaft.
  11. Install the nut to the manual control shaft.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 28 N·m (21 lb ft).


    Object Number: 319738  Size: SH
  13. Crimp the clamp with J 43218 according to crimping specifications.
  14. Install the transfer case shield, if equipped. Refer to in Transfer Case - NVG 246-NP8 (Two-Speed Automatic).
  15. Lower the vehicle.
  16. Position the steering column transmission shift lever to PARK.