Driveshaft repair

[EbzyyE30]

Update: got under the car today and took off the three bolts that hold the driveshaft to the transmission, then the 4 by the diff and the 2 holding the centre shaft bearing aswell, it can almost come out but my problem is that the previous owner welded in and aftermarket manifold to the rest of the exhaust so the only portion of exhaust I can get out is the rear muffle portion. is it even possible to take it out this way. Im thinking tomorrow of trying to remove the nuts on the vibration damper to see if maybe I can fiddle the guibo out and give me more room to pull the driveshaft. I am trying to do everything in my power to not have to take out the manifold. I also tried dropping the transmission in the slightest bit while it was supported by my jack. and that did not really help. thanks for all your responses.

edit: should I also replace all the nuts that were taken off? like the 4 by the diff and the ones on the guibo.

[tomstin]

You should be able to reach the three nuts on the transmission side of the vibration damper. The it should pull back from there.

[EbzyyE30]

to take it off do I just crack the nuts on the backside of it or are those little black circles pieces of plastic that are covering the bolts?

[tomstin]

The black circular object is a vibration damper, discontinued at some point. BMW had it there for a reason, but most people eliminate it.

If you drop the rear exhaust, it is possible to remove the driveshaft in one piece but far easier if you remove the entire exhaust. Better not to pull the two pieces apart.

[EbzyyE30]

So last year I put my 89 325i coupe away and never got the opportunity to work on it when the weather was poor. Now with all the time I've begun repairs on my driveshaft and other components in the vehicle. I Had a shake around 55 mph/ 85 kmh and would mostly have a very bad shake driving through third and slightly into 4th as it faded slightly then. taking off the exhaust and the shields I realized 2 things that I could use some help on. first thing is there is a circular support piece of metal is what it looks like connected to the Guibo on the transmission side of the driveshaft wondering how to take it off, will source a picture. second thing im wondering is if the driveshaft can be taken out without having to split it in two by loosening the piece by the centre support bearing. Help and responses are always very much appreciated.