How is a drive shaft removed from a 1990 dodge Dakota?

Answer 1

To remove the rear driveshaft: Raise the truck and support it safely. Transmission should be in neutral and park brake off. Make reference marks on the shaft and the pinion flange that line up with each other to help maintain it's balance when reinstalled. Now remove the u-joint bolts and clamps, turning the shaft as necessary for access. *If 4WD with companion flange where transfer case meets driveshaft, then remove the four nuts, bolts and washers from the flange. *If two piece driveshaft, then unbolt the center support bearing. Tape the bearing caps to the spider to protect from loss or contamination. Lower the rear of the shaft and slide the front of the shaft out of the transmission or transfer case. Then wrap a plastic bag around the end of the transmission/transfer case and secure it with a rubber band to keep contaminants out and prevent loss of fluid. Reinstall by removing the plastic bag from the tranny/transfer case and wiping the oil off in and around the oil seal. Inspect the seal carefully and replace as necessary. Now slide the front of the driveshaft into the tranny/transfer case and connect the *companion flange (if applicable) tightening the flange bolts finger tight. Then raise the rear of the driveshaft and align the reference marks by turning the rear wheels. Remove the tape securing the bearing caps and install the clamps and bolts tightening to 14 ft-lbs. *Bolt up the center support bearing (if applicable) and torque to 50 ft-lbs. *Retorque the companion flange nuts/bolts. The torque value for companion flange nuts/bolts was not listed in the reference book. To remove the front driveshaft (4WD models): Raise the truck and support safely. Remove the skid plate (if equipped). Make reference marks in line with each other on the shaft, transfer case, and front differential for proper alignment upon reinstallation. Remove the bolts and clamps from the diff. flange and the transfer case flange. Push the rear of the shaft forwards far enough to lower the shaft and separate it from the diff. flange. Installation is the reverse of removal. Torque specs for flange bolts was not listed in the reference book. All of the above info was paraphrased in reference from "Haynes Repair Manual : Dodge Dakota Pick-ups : 1987 - 1996 : 2WD and 4WD.