Returd

I just pulled the rear cradle and ended up splitting the drive shaft at the center bearing/spline. Getting the rubber coupling either off the shaft or rear diff turned into a real pill.

does anyone have any hints on an easy way to get the shaft and rubber coupling off the rear diff?

INTIMAZY

iTrader: (5)

Bigger hammer. Its been sitting in there for many years and doesn't want to be moved. It just needs a bit more abuse. The metal sleeve inserts inside the rubber doughnut are slightly raised and the lip likes to "seize" up in the driveshaft bolt holes. It comes out with enough banging and vibration.

Returd

I found that tapping the steel bushing with a ball peen hammer repeatedly while applying gently pressure with a pry bar did the job. I didn't want to damage the rubber coupling/isolator.

Once off I saw I could have gotten brutal anyway as the isolator is cracked.

I checked Rockauto and didn't find the coupling/isolators there. I am going to replace but am looking for cheaper than dealer.

any suggestions on where to source?