My plan is to get everything off of the car in order to remove the transmission. Then I can replace the front seal on the transmission. I removed the heat shield, no problem, and then proceeded to remove the drive shaft. I was curious to see what kind of shape it was in. This is a two piece drive shaft with two u-joints, and a center support bearing. The front of the drive shaft uses a rubber donut looking thing called a "guibo". This takes the place of another u-joint and is supposed to dampen any vibrations transmitted through the driveline.
Inspection of the driveshaft revealed that the u-joint farthest to the back had developed a notch in it. If left unchecked it can create a bad vibration in the driveline. The guibo was whole, but had cracks developing in the seams between the bolt holes
My repair list just keeps getting bigger. The u-joints in this driveshaft aren't really designed to be replaced. They are staked into the holder instead of using snap rings. I can purchase replacement u-joints that are designed for this type of drive shaft. I have also found a source for the center support bearing. Since I have the driveshaft out of the car I might go ahead and service the whole thing.
My chances of driving the car to the big Merkur car show in Pennsylvania this June are looking doubtful. The cost of the trip is not cheap, and I will have to be darn sure the car is roadworthy before I jump in and take a 1000 mile trip in it.
Have a good weekend.
Darren
