[DeTomaso] 1/2 shafts

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/26/06 12:46:19 PM, wdemelo at cogeco.ca writes:

<< I'm goint to paint my 1/2 shafts and want to remove the u-joints. Do they 
have to be re-assembled to the matching parts for balancing? Should I expect a 
tough time to remove the u-joints? >>

If you're powder-coating, by all means disassemble as the curing heat will 
bake the grease out of the slip-joint and u-joint bearings. Otherwise, I'd leave 
them assembled & mask. If you're going to  separate the two shaft-halves at 
the slip-joint, make a permanent index-mark, take a photo or do something so 
you put the slip-joint back as it is now, or the car will shake like a wet dog 
at speed! The half-shafts must be 'phased' as they were when stock- that is, 
the crosses must be aligned. As for the u-joints, they press in; a big vise or a 
hydraulic press will do this nicely. FWIW, you'll need enough press force to 
assemble to screw up the finished paint unless you're extremely careful.  Good 
luck- J DeRyke