Installing Rear Drive Shaft

[e30forlife]

Guys im stuck or feel stuck...


I remember using big pipe wrench and loosing the collar nut.

Ive done some research but cant seem to pin point from what im seeing on my car. I can take pics but for not some DIY points would be great! My collar nut that is on the drive shaft is literary all the way down where I can get anything on it....Is this right or wrong?

[nando]

you have to un-collapse the shaft. the collar nut doesn't make it lengthen/shorten, it just releases tension on the shaft so you can collapse it. so what you need to do is bolt it to the diff, then pull it out until you can get it to the trans and bolt it to the flex disc, then you can tighten the collar nut again.

whatever you do, do not seperate the rear yoke from the shaft, and if you do, make damn sure you align it the same way it was before (should be a couple white marks/divots).

[e30forlife]

Nando Thanks for Ringing in man.

Only problem is my ix rear drive shaft doesnt collapse. Its all one piece. I remember loosening a nut but cant remember if it was on the drive shaft itself. I need to post a pic of what it looks like because its virtually impossible to getting anything on the collar nut thats down their. I was wondering if I could just put it back in without tightening it down?

Doing this tomorrow or friday so any discussing is a lot of help!

[nando]

it does collapse. the rear yoke has a spline that slides into the main shaft. loosening the collar nut enables you to slide it in/out.

it sounds like you twisted the nut too far in. you don't need to move it much to collapse the shaft. I've done it before. all you really need to do is pull it out with the shaft out of the car (because it's easier).

I wouldn't run it long term without tightening it, you'll be subject to some pretty harsh vibrations.

[e30forlife]

Nando take a look at my pics of the drive shaft....

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=268033

[Dirty325ix]

He knows what your talking about it rear drive shaft is just collapsed
but
Is this nut reverse threaded and how tight should I make It?

[Dirty325ix]

Please help I am at my garage and can't put my exhaust on without this done right

[A Sucked Orange]

Hmm.. I think you turn it toward the rear to loosen it.......

[nando]

Hmm.. I think you turn it toward the rear to loosen it.......

yes