Reinstalling Half Shaft...what is the trick?

[Dave82SC]

I removed the passenger side half shaft to replace the CV boots. That went fine. Now I can't get enough clearance to get both ends of the half shaft in place to bolt up. Obviously I am doing something wrong.

[fred cook]

How have you got the car jacked up? Did you remove the wheel and tire? If not doing so, put the jackstand under the body and let the trailing arm drop down. That should give you enough room to fit the shaft back into place.
If that doesn't work, have an assistant carefully pry or pull the trailing arm/hub away from the center of the car.

Hope this helps.

[Dave82SC]

Wheel has been removed with jack stand under torsion bar. As far as I can tell the wheel is as low as possible. I have been only 1-2 mm from getting everything in place, but no go. Any more ideas?

[haycait911]

unbolt your shock, should give you lots more trailing arm drop.

[Dave82SC]

I thought of that but discarded the idea because of the amount of leverage required to lossen the shock bolt. I will certainly pursue your idea tomorrow. Thanks a lot.

[ZOA NOM]

Use a jack under the wrench and the weight of the car will break the shock bolt's grip.

[Dave82SC]

Ypu know "shade tree " mechanincs know all the tricks. Thanks, I really appreciate the help. This site is absolutely fantastic.

[oldE]

Dave,

Did the reassembly of the joints go OK? I'm wondering if the lack of clearance might be due to a CV joint not sliding far enough along its splines?

Let us know how you made out.

Les

[oldE]

sorry for the double post
Les

[alMcm]

I just did my drivers side. I jacked the car up and let the wheel hang. Tranny side first. Wheel side next...(needed a little manipulation and verbiage but she went in).
It's funny....I read that the "wheel side" couldn't be disassembled and the wheel had to come off.
Mine looked the same on both sides and my wheel never came off.