Drive shaft removal difficulty

[1970R/T]

I am preparing to pull the motor/trans on my challenger, and I have run into an unforeseen problem.  I removed the two brackets that keep the U joint connected to the diff, so it looks like the drive shaft should be able to just fall right out, or at least be wiggled/knocked out.  The problem is it is stuck, and from what I read it sounds like it should come right out.  I tried knocking it around with a mallet to try to loosen things up.  Are they fused together with rust or something? 

I apologize if there is a thread about this already, but I couldn't find one (noob).  Thanks!

[burdar]

You can use a rubber hammer on the cast end cap and give it a little tap.  Don't hit the shaft itself...it's pretty thin metal.  You can also use a prybar in between the driveshaft and the pinion yoke. It should pop loose.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

You can use a rubber hammer on the cast end cap and give it a little tap.  Don't hit the shaft itself...it's pretty thin metal.  You can also use a prybar in between the driveshaft and the pinion yoke. It should pop loose.

^ This, do not hit the shaft itself with anything. It could be easily dented, which will lead to failure or unbalanced.

[1970R/T]

Thank you guys for your help!  One more detail; I should be able to do this with the drive shaft still connected to the transmission, which is still in place, correct?

[Killer_Mopar]

Yes, it will slide forward enough to remove. Remember to put a pan under the tailshaft to catch the oil...or one of those plastic plugs. Good luck

[burdar]

I suppose if the car has been sitting for a long time, the slip yoke could be siezed in the trans.  If it won't move forward, it would act like the U-joint cups were stuck to the pinion yoke. 

[1970R/T]

Thanks again guys, I'm going to go home after work and try your suggestions.  Thanks for the heads-up on the drive shaft being fragile!  I'll let you know if I make any progress...

[Chryco Psycho]

put a pry bar between the diff yolk & the U joint & pry it forward

[jimynick]

CP has it and you can use a brass drift and a BFH to "persuade" the U joint cap to come loose. 

[1970R/T]

Success!  Thanks again everyone, your advice was perfect.  I was able to pry it apart after putting on some penetrating fluid.  Next, transmission...we'll see how that goes.

[jimynick]

If this is your first time removing a trans, be warned, they're HEAVY, so be prepared with a jack and a stout buddy to help. Safety first! Good luck.