Flat Towing "How to's"?

[n2baja]

Hello All,

I've been reading online about how to flat tow an early bronco (I have a 67) and the consensus seems to be that the rear drive shaft should be disconnected if you're going to travel more than a short distance.

I understand the 'why', but I can't find any information on 'how'. I'm not a mechanic but I don't mind getting my hands greasy. Can somebody tell me exactly how I remove the rear drive shaft? Is there a web site I can go to that (one preferably with pictures /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> )?

Thank you all. This is a great site and I've found a lot of great information here.

Melanie

 

[S_bolt19]

There are 4 U-bolts holding the drive shaft on. I think they are either 1/2" or 7/16" nuts on there. It is about a 5 minute job. Put the transfer case in neutral & lift the rear end up off the ground so that you can easily spin the driveshaft or you will have to roll it forward/backward to get to the bolts you won't be able to reach with the vehicle sitting in one place. Once you get all the bolts out the driveshaft literally falls off. Word to the wise, take the transfer case bolts off first and then the axle side so that you don't either drop the driveshaft on yourself or drop it and damage the U-joint. Once you get the shaft off, be careful to keep the end caps on the U-joints. All 4 caps have needle bearing in them and will be a pain in the rear if you drop them all over the place. Just tape them in place once you get the shaft off.

 

[n2baja]

There are 4 U-bolts holding the drive shaft on. I think they are either 1/2" or 7/16" nuts on there. It is about a 5 minute job. Put the transfer case in neutral & lift the rear end up off the ground so that you can easily spin the driveshaft or you will have to roll it forward/backward to get to the bolts you won't be able to reach with the vehicle sitting in one place. Once you get all the bolts out the driveshaft literally falls off. Word to the wise, take the transfer case bolts off first and then the axle side so that you don't either drop the driveshaft on yourself or drop it and damage the U-joint. Once you get the shaft off, be careful to keep the end caps on the U-joints. All 4 caps have needle bearing in them and will be a pain in the rear if you drop them all over the place. Just tape them in place once you get the shaft off.

Thanks for your reply, S_bolt19. Especially the tip about keeping the end caps on the U-joints. It's extra information like that that I appreciate! Am I understanding this correctly: the driveshaft will come all the way off? Another question - when its time to put the driveshaft back in, is there anything I need to do or should do first?

 

[S_bolt19]

Yes, the driveshaft will come all the way off. It will directly unbolt from the transfercase tail shaft and the 3rd member pinion shaft. Once you get under it and look at it for a couple of minutes, it will seem really simple, which it is. There is also only 1 way that the driveshaft will go in. The top of the shaft (transfer case side) has a double cardan (CV) joint (2 U-joints together) and the bottom only has the U-joint. As for putting it back on, I always put the bottom on because it will help support it'self and your arms won't get as tired /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Click this link and then click on the picture on the right hand side labeled "Shorty Double Cardan (CV)". This page has a picture of what a Bronco driveshaft looks like, just a lot shorter, but the sketch at the bottom of the page shows how it goes together. Hope that helps you out a little more.

 

[n2baja]

Yes, the driveshaft will come all the way off. It will directly unbolt from the transfercase tail shaft and the 3rd member pinion shaft. Once you get under it and look at it for a couple of minutes, it will seem really simple, which it is. There is also only 1 way that the driveshaft will go in. The top of the shaft (transfer case side) has a double cardan (CV) joint (2 U-joints together) and the bottom only has the U-joint. As for putting it back on, I always put the bottom on because it will help support it'self and your arms won't get as tired /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />
Click this link and then click on the picture on the right hand side labeled "Shorty Double Cardan (CV)". This page has a picture of what a Bronco driveshaft looks like, just a lot shorter, but the sketch at the bottom of the page shows how it goes together. Hope that helps you out a little more.

Thank you S_bolt19!!