Chevrolet Light Duty Truck 1973 Service Manual page 233

NOTE: The ball/socket on this Constant
Velocity joint requires periodic lubrication. A
lubrication fitting is provided for this
purpose, and is illustrated later in this
section.
Propeller Shafts
The propeller shaft is a steel tube which is used to
transmit power from the transmission output shaft to the
differential. To accommodate various model, wheelbase
and transmission combinations, drive shafts differ in
PROPELLER SHAFT
Two methods are used to retain the propeller shaft to the
Fig. 21—U-Bolt Attachment
C O M PO N EN T PART REPLACEMENT
REAR S U S PEN SIO N A N D DRIVELINE
length, diameter and the type of splined yoke. On some
models the drive shaft is made up of concentric steel
tubes with rubber elements between.
Each shaft is installed in the same manner. A universal
joint and splined slip yoke are located at the
transmission end of the shaft, where they are held in
alignment by a bushing in the transmission rear
extension. The slip yoke permits fore and aft movement
of the drive shaft as the differential assembly moves up
and down. The spline is lubricated internally by
transmission lubricant or grease. An oil seal at the
transmission prevents leakage and protects the slip yoke
from dust, dirt and other harmful material.
Since the drive shaft is a balanced unit, it should be kept
completely free of undercoating and other foreign
material which would upset shaft balance.
SERVICE INFORMATION
Both one piece and two piece propeller shafts are used
depending on the model. All are tubular and use needle
bearing type universal joints.
On models that use a two piece shaft, the shaft is
supported near its splined end in a rubber cushioned ball
bearing which is mounted in a bracket attached to a
frame crossmember. The ball bearing is permanently
lubricated and sealed.
Four wheel drive models use a front propeller shaft
incorporating a constant velocity joint, shown in figure
30.
differential pinion flange. One method utilizes "U " bolts,
and the other is a strap attachment. Refer to figures 21
and .
22
4 -9
LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL