Propeller Shaft Removal. Need Help

[MikiK]

Im trying to remove the propeller shaft on my 78 280. I got a little bit confused once I was getting ready to disconnect the shaft from the companion flange.

Now, I have both the Chiltons Manual and the Factory Service manual and they both just say to "remove the four bolts from the companion flange"

It looks very hard to get to them.

The bolt with the tapered head is pointing to the rear and the differential carrier is in the way of getting to the bolts easy.

Am I missing something here?

Any Help would be kindly appreciated, since I am trying to move on with this project tonight.

Regards

M.K.

[DatsunZsRule]

This is where pictures come in handy I think I know what your talking about. What are you trying to use to remove the bolts with??? If you got all the correct tools than it should be quiet easy. I got a set of those open end wrenches from Snap-On and on the other end it ratchets. Works excellent for those tight, hard to get at spots. :-)

plain wrench will work to but is more of a pain in the a$$

good luck man. You'll get it done tonight

[wal280z]

The bolt with the tapered head is pointing to the rear and the differential carrier is in the way of getting to the bolts easy.

When you say, the bolt is pointing to the rear, do you mean that the bolt is inserted from the 'engine side' to the 'differential side'? The bolts, IIRC, are supposed to be inserted from the differential side with the shaft pointing to the engine. The flanged nuts are on the differential shaft side, if you will. The bolts in question should be a special bolt, a round head with a 'chord' shaved off. ::edit A "D" headed bolt, if that helps. edit::

:: Meaning that there is no standard wrench to put on the bolt from the differential side, it locks in place by the way it is made.::

IIRC, the most you could turn a nut was about 15-20 degrees at a time, and only with a wrench, no room for sockets (at least mine).

Wayne

[Bambikiller240]

If it's like a 240Z, you'll need 14mm box-end wrenches. Usually two of them are needed. You may have to rotate the d/s to put each bolt in a position where you can reach it easily. Minor PITA, but do-able.

[MikiK]

When you say, the bolt is pointing to the rear, do you mean that the bolt is inserted from the 'engine side' to the 'differential side'? The bolts, IIRC, are supposed to be inserted from the differential side with the shaft pointing to the engine. The flanged nuts are on the differential shaft side, if you will. The bolts in question should be a special bolt, a round head with a 'chord' shaved off. ::edit A "D" headed bolt, if that helps. edit::

:: Meaning that there is no standard wrench to put on the bolt from the differential side, it locks in place by the way it is made.::

IIRC, the most you could turn a nut was about 15-20 degrees at a time, and only with a wrench, no room for sockets (at least mine).

Wayne

Yes, the bolt is insterted from the engine side to the differential side. Sorry I know it sounds weird to mention that but the previous owner of this car did very weird things to the Z so I am questioning everything three times before I touch it...

I removed the swaybar;which made life easier, and I was able to get to the bolts and rotate them about 10-15 degrees with a 14mm open end wrench. I managed to get 3 of them off and I stripped one of them...fun...

Any Suggestions on the 4th bolt?

I tried heating it, soaking it in PB Blast and WD.

What about disconnecting the shaft at the U - Joint?

I am pulling out the engine and tranny to work on the body and get all the rust off.

I am done for today, so im just freely brainstorming about ideas....suggestions appreciated...

Thanks

M.K.

[Zedrally]

Drop the diff?

[Bambikiller240]

Drop the diff?

.........and cut the bolthead off. replace.

[wal280z]

Sorry I know it sounds weird to mention that but the previous owner of this car did very weird things to the Z so I am questioning everything three times before I touch it...

We won't even start that discussion here.

I removed the swaybar;which made life easier, and I was able to get to the bolts and rotate them about 10-15 degrees with a 14mm open end wrench. I managed to get 3 of them off and I stripped one of them...fun...

Any Suggestions on the 4th bolt?

Got a Dremel? As Carl said, cut it and replace it with the correct piece.

Wayne

[MikiK]

Quick Update.

I managed to drop the diff case and cut off the bolt. Removed the drivetrain and engine today. Did all of the work myself but had my dad help me with the engine removal. He was directing the engine while I lifted it.

Over all a good weekend. Let the Body/chassis cleanup begin!

Also Thanks for all your help guys...

Regards

M.K.