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TR2/3/3A TR3 Driveshaft installation

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M

mapleaf

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I'm installing the driveshaft that I removed last fall and now I can't remember which way the bolts go. My factory service manual seems to show them going in from the transmission and rear diff. directions but I can't get them to go in that way. So, before I tighten them down from the opposite direction I am wondering, is there is a correct way or does it matter, or could there be bolt clearance problems?
TIA
 
ISTR that the bolts go in from the universal side with the nuts being installed from the diff and tran side. There has to be an angle on the universal in order to get the bolt to go through the flange. In other words, install one bolt, rotate the shaft 1/4 turn and install the next bolt. Continue untill all bolts are installed and then tighten the nuts.

Done the other way, I think there is interference between the threaded end of the bolt ant the diff cross under extreme drive shaft angles such as axel against the bump stops or getting air under the rear tires.

If I'm wrong, someone will jump in and correct me, please.
 
That's the way mine are, but only because they don't fit the other way (unless you put the bolts through the flange first and then install the flange).

FWIW, on my 3A I found that even new Nyloc nuts would back off sometimes, so I switched to these:
https://www.mcmaster.com/#92501a430/=2epo20
Probably means my driveshaft was out of balance or something, but I got tired of having to tighten them during lube jobs.
 
Thanks guys. I have new grade 8 nuts and bolts and want to put it together today but I will keep an eye on them and if they do work loose I will replace them as Randall suggested.
Barry
 
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