Ok,

So I'm disconnecting the rear axle from my GSL to install my GSL=SE rear axle.

Now, the SE axle separated smoothly from the driveshaft. The GSL was somewhat rusted stuck at the bolt up portion.

I sprayed generously with PB blaster, tapped a few times with a hammer, and then attempted to wiggle the ends of the axle to pop the pieces apart.

Suddenly the whole driveshaft came out with the axle.

Nothing appears broken, and it seems the unit can just slide back into the trans since its a splined piece.

Am I correct in assuming it will just slide back in (I see it has to enter a certain way because of the spline sizes).

Does it just slide in, and thats it.....or is it like a FWD axle that needs the little C clip deal to snap into place?

Just trying to get some info before finishing up the job tomorrow.

 

Just slides in.

 

I just did somewhat the same thing, actually. There's nothing to lock it in, and the orientation of the drive shaft doesn't seem to matter -- the spline pattern is the same all the way around. I'd put the driveshaft in before bolting it to the diff, as the added weight makes it a two person job. Also, if you can, pull out the main cat and the heat shielding. Or, at least, remove two of the bolts in the heat shielding and peel it back.

 

You broke it! You're fucked now...

 

You shoulda let Skeletor do it. He wouldnt have fucked it up. Nah your fine, just clean the yoke b4 you slide it back in.

 

That's what she said...

 

Hmm. My driveshaft seems to way about 1lb. I couldn't believe the thing was so light. Also, there are 2 large spines at the top and bottom, followed by the regular small splines all around them, so it has to go in 1 of 2 ways. I'll take a pic.......

 

See? Same on top and bottom.

 

Sadly...

I almost want to keep it that high off the ground....

 

Yeah, I saw those two key-way-looking things, too. However, if you look at the output shaft on the tranny (at least on the -SE 5sp from '85), there is no difference all the way around -- it's completely symmetrical. Weird, huh?

 

what lug pattern are those wheels you have on there?

 

I am performing a GSL-SE suspension swap, so I am going from the standard 4 x 110mm pattern to the 4 x 114.3 pattern.

The Motegi wheels are a combo 4 x 100 / 4 x 114.3.