71 K10 front drive shaft remove and install help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Chris 71 K10 · 09-09-2018, 11:43 PM

So I recently got this 1971 K10 from a friend who had it for years but did not really use it much and didn't have much history on it. The front drive shaft is in need of replacing and there are plenty of places to get rebuilt ones with a core swap. It looks like a pretty simple job. I may cuss the 4 bolts on the transfer case side of the shaft as I can't really see them but I can feel them enough to get to them. That part might be a slow process that I won't love but, is it really a simple as I think it may be or is there anything or special tool that may help? It seems like the 4 bolts on the rear of the double cardan and the 4 nuts on the front by the U Joint, then collapse it a little and it should drop right out. Does this sound right or am I missing anything before I get into it?

The pickup has a 350 motor, NP205 transfer case, TH350 trans if I understand everything correctly.

57taskforce · 09-09-2018, 11:55 PM

Yep just about that easy. Nice looking truck you’ve got there!

Bigdav160 · 09-10-2018, 07:16 AM

Take the differential joint out first and straighten the shaft. The CV joint has fine threads and an angle on the joint is hard on the threads.

PS don't worry if you can't get the bolts completely out because of interference with the transfer case.

jjzepplin · 09-10-2018, 07:43 AM

I put the t case in "N" and unlock one hub and lock the other. I undo the one bolt that has the most clearance. 1/4" 12 point bolt if I remember. It takes a bit of time and I cramp up a bit... HAHA but then I unlock the hub and turn the shaft to reveal another bolt and lock the hub etc. I kick myself sometimes for not installing a later style flange that has nuts and bolts. Mostly because I had one and sold the t case it was on. FACEPALM! My rear flange is from a FURD one ton and has big bolts and a double cardan from Tom Woods. Nice unit.

**jaros44sr** · 09-10-2018, 10:23 AM

I had luck taking the trans cover off and out from interior, made it alot easier to access the rear bolts at the transfer case

Chris 71 K10 · 09-10-2018, 10:55 AM

Thanks guys, always a helpful board with good tips and feedback.

Travisarmenta · 09-10-2018, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris 71 K10

So I recently got this 1971 K10 from a friend who had it for years but did not really use it much and didn't have much history on it. The front drive shaft is in need of replacing and there are plenty of places to get rebuilt ones with a core swap. It looks like a pretty simple job. I may cuss the 4 bolts on the transfer case side of the shaft as I can't really see them but I can feel them enough to get to them. That part might be a slow process that I won't love but, is it really a simple as I think it may be or is there anything or special tool that may help? It seems like the 4 bolts on the rear of the double cardan and the 4 nuts on the front by the U Joint, then collapse it a little and it should drop right out. Does this sound right or am I missing anything before I get into it?

The pickup has a 350 motor, NP205 transfer case, TH350 trans if I understand everything correctly.

Amazing truck. Post more pics so we can all enjoy.

09-09-2018, 11:43 PM	#1
Chris 71 K10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Cardiff CA Posts: 33	71 K10 front drive shaft remove and install help So I recently got this 1971 K10 from a friend who had it for years but did not really use it much and didn't have much history on it. The front drive shaft is in need of replacing and there are plenty of places to get rebuilt ones with a core swap. It looks like a pretty simple job. I may cuss the 4 bolts on the transfer case side of the shaft as I can't really see them but I can feel them enough to get to them. That part might be a slow process that I won't love but, is it really a simple as I think it may be or is there anything or special tool that may help? It seems like the 4 bolts on the rear of the double cardan and the 4 nuts on the front by the U Joint, then collapse it a little and it should drop right out. Does this sound right or am I missing anything before I get into it? The pickup has a 350 motor, NP205 transfer case, TH350 trans if I understand everything correctly. Attached Images Last edited by Chris 71 K10; 09-09-2018 at 11:52 PM.

09-09-2018, 11:55 PM	#2
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 6,485	Re: 71 K10 front drive shaft remove and install help Yep just about that easy. Nice looking truck you’ve got there! __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 35x12.5x20’s

09-10-2018, 07:16 AM	#3
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: 71 K10 front drive shaft remove and install help Take the differential joint out first and straighten the shaft. The CV joint has fine threads and an angle on the joint is hard on the threads. PS don't worry if you can't get the bolts completely out because of interference with the transfer case. __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

09-10-2018, 07:43 AM	#4
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,566	Re: 71 K10 front drive shaft remove and install help I put the t case in "N" and unlock one hub and lock the other. I undo the one bolt that has the most clearance. 1/4" 12 point bolt if I remember. It takes a bit of time and I cramp up a bit... HAHA but then I unlock the hub and turn the shaft to reveal another bolt and lock the hub etc. I kick myself sometimes for not installing a later style flange that has nuts and bolts. Mostly because I had one and sold the t case it was on. FACEPALM! My rear flange is from a FURD one ton and has big bolts and a double cardan from Tom Woods. Nice unit. __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350

09-10-2018, 10:23 AM	#5
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,759	Re: 71 K10 front drive shaft remove and install help I had luck taking the trans cover off and out from interior, made it alot easier to access the rear bolts at the transfer case __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

09-10-2018, 10:55 AM	#6
Chris 71 K10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Cardiff CA Posts: 33	Re: 71 K10 front drive shaft remove and install help Thanks guys, always a helpful board with good tips and feedback.



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