This procedure covers removal and installation of the front driveshaft section on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with independent rear suspension, including U-joint flange disconnection and center support bearing removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front driveshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Center support bearing (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Driveshaft flange bolts × 8 — GM 3/8-16 U-joint flange bolts
• Center support bearing bracket bolts × 2 — GM 7/16-14 hex head bolts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. If transmission is manual, place in 4th gear; if automatic, place in Park
4. Raise vehicle using floor jack at front crossmember until rear wheels are approximately 18 inches off ground
5. Install jack stands under frame rails just forward of rear suspension crossmember
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before working underneath
7. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft orientation
   Using paint marker or masking tape, mark the relationship between the front driveshaft flange and the transmission output flange. Make alignment marks on both the driveshaft and transmission yoke so they can be reinstalled in the same rotational position. This maintains driveline balance. Also mark the relationship between the driveshaft and the center support bearing.
2. 2

   Remove transmission-to-driveshaft flange bolts
   Remove the 4 bolts securing the front driveshaft universal joint flange to the transmission output flange. Use a combination wrench to hold the nut on the backside while loosening the bolt from the front. Keep these bolts organized as they may have specific orientation. If bolts are corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts (CV/U-Joint)75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark and remove center support bearing to driveshaft bolts
   Mark the orientation of the rear section driveshaft yoke to the front section driveshaft yoke at the center U-joint. Remove the 4 bolts securing the center U-joint flanges together. Support the rear driveshaft section with your hand or have a helper support it to prevent it from dropping when separated.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts (CV/U-Joint)75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support center bearing and driveshaft
   Position a floor jack or wooden block under the center support bearing to support the weight of the front driveshaft section. Raise just enough to take tension off the center bearing mounting bolts but not to lift the vehicle off the jack stands.
5. 5

   Remove center support bearing bracket bolts
   Remove the 2 bolts securing the center support bearing bracket to the frame crossmember. These bolts thread into captive nuts in the crossmember. Use a 5/8 inch socket to remove the bolts. Note any shims present between the bracket and crossmember for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate front driveshaft from transmission
   Carefully pull the front driveshaft yoke rearward to separate the universal joint flange from the transmission output flange. The driveshaft may need to be rotated slightly to clear the flange bolt holes. Once separated, carefully lower the front end of the driveshaft.
7. 7

   Remove front driveshaft assembly
   With the center support bearing disconnected and transmission end separated, carefully maneuver the front driveshaft section out from under the vehicle. The assembly includes the front slip yoke section, front U-joint, center support bearing, and front driveshaft tube. Be careful not to damage the center support bearing rubber mount during removal.
8. 8

   Inspect components
   Inspect the center support bearing for wear, roughness, or rubber deterioration. Spin the bearing by hand - it should rotate smoothly without binding or roughness. Check both U-joints for play by attempting to move the yokes perpendicular to their rotation axis. Any detectable play indicates worn U-joints. Inspect the slip yoke splines for wear or damage. Check the rubber center bearing mount for cracking or deterioration.
9. 9

   Clean and prepare mounting surfaces
   Wire brush the transmission output flange, center support bearing mounting surface on the crossmember, and all bolt holes. Clean the center U-joint flange surfaces on the rear driveshaft section that remains installed. Remove any rust, old thread locker, or debris. Wipe surfaces clean with shop rags.
10. 10

    Install front driveshaft assembly
    Carefully maneuver the front driveshaft assembly (new or serviced) into position under the vehicle. Align the center support bearing bracket with the crossmember mounting location. If shims were present during removal, install them in the same position. Thread the 2 center bearing bracket bolts finger-tight but do not torque yet.
11. 11

    Connect driveshaft to transmission flange
    Align the front driveshaft U-joint flange with the transmission output flange, matching the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the 4 flange bolts finger-tight. Ensure the bolts are inserted from the same direction as original installation.
12. 12

    Connect center U-joint flanges
    Align the front driveshaft section yoke with the rear driveshaft section yoke at the center U-joint, matching the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the 4 flange bolts finger-tight.
13. 13

    Torque center support bearing bracket bolts
    Using a torque wrench, torque the 2 center support bearing bracket bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern. Ensure the bearing bracket is seated flush against the crossmember or against any shims that were reinstalled.
    Torque spec

    Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque all driveshaft flange bolts
    Torque the 4 transmission-to-driveshaft flange bolts to 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern. Then torque the 4 center U-joint flange bolts to 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern. If new bolts were provided, verify they are not torque-to-yield type before reusing torque specifications.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts (CV/U-Joint)75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Lower vehicle and final checks
    Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove tension from jack stands, then remove jack stands. Carefully lower vehicle completely to the ground. Rock vehicle side-to-side to settle suspension and driveline components.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all alignment marks were matched during installation to maintain driveline balance
2. Verify all 8 driveshaft flange bolts and 2 center bearing bracket bolts are torqued to specification
3. Check that center support bearing bracket is secure and bearing rotates freely

Verification

• Start engine and place transmission in Drive (automatic) or 1st gear (manual) with parking brake applied - listen for unusual vibration or noise from driveline
• Release parking brake and test drive vehicle at speeds from 20-60 mph, noting any vibration that increases with speed (indicates driveline imbalance)
• Perform figure-eight turns in a parking lot at low speed, listening for clicking or binding from U-joints under load
• Re-inspect all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving to verify torque retention

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