Tools Required

J 43218 Clamp Pliers - Narrow Jaw

Important: Before disassembly, observe and accurately reference mark all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles. These items include the following components:

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the transfer case shield. Refer to Transfer Case Shield Replacement in Transfer Case - BW 4484.



3. If equipped with the double clamp style boot, remove the clamp (4) at the transfer case (3) by prying up the exposed end of the clamp with a flat-bladed tool.
4. Reference mark the relationship of the propeller shaft to the front axle pinon yoke.




Notice: When removing the propeller shaft, do not attempt to remove the shaft by pounding on the yoke ears or using a tool between the yoke and the universal joint. If the propeller shaft is removed by using such means, the injection joints may fracture and lead to premature failure of the joint.

5. Remove the bolts (6) and the yoke retainers (7) from the front axle pinion yoke (1).

Important: Do not drop the bearing cap assemblies of the yoke end.

6. Disconnect the propeller shaft (2) from the front axle pinion yoke (1).

Wrap the bearing caps with tape in order to prevent the loss of bearing rollers.




7. If equipped with the single clamp style boot, disconnect the boot from the groove on the transfer case output shaft.



8. If equipped with the double clamp style boot, disconnect the boot from the groove on the transfer case output shaft.
9. Remove the propeller shaft from the transfer case output shaft by sliding the propeller shaft forward.

1. Inspect the splines of the transfer case output shaft for a sufficient coating of lubricant. If the output shaft does not have a sufficient coating of lubricant, lubricate the shaft with grease, GM P/N 12345879 (Canadian P/N 10953511) or equivalent lubricant meeting GM Specification 9985830.



2. If equipped with the double clamp style boot, perform the following steps to install the propeller shaft to the transfer case:

2.1.	Install a new clamp in the groove of the propeller shaft boot.

2.2.	Install the propeller shaft splines in the transfer case output shaft.




3. If equipped with the single clamp style boot, install the propeller shaft splines into the transfer case output shaft.



4. Install the propeller shaft (5) to the front axle pinion yoke (1).

Align the reference marks made during removal.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

5. Install the yoke retainers (7) and the bolts (6).

Tighten
Tighten the yoke retainer bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

6. For both style of boots, install the boot onto the transfer case output shaft until the boot snaps into the groove on the output shaft.



7. If equipped with the double clamp style boot, use the J 43218 to crimp the clamp until the dimensions shown are obtained.
8. Install the transfer case shield. Refer to Transfer Case Shield Replacement in Transfer Case - BW 4484.
9. Lower the vehicle.