Removing the driveshaft is a moderately easy procedure, but can be messy if you forget to put the drain pan under the transmission. It is common to remove the driveshaft for towing purposes, though for towing purposes the driveshaft is left in the transmission and tied up in the back. When removing a transmission, the driveshaft must be removed so that the transmission can be pulled back, away from the engine.
Raise the rear of the truck with the floor jack and support it on jack stands under the frame. Put the truck in neutral.
Remove the bolts in the universal retaining caps on the pinion yoke. Use the common screwdriver to hold the universal from moving, while removing the bolts using a wrench. Place the screwdriver through the universal to hold it in place.
Remove the caps over the universal joint bearings. Use the screwdriver to pry the universal joint out of the semicircle recesses in the pinion yoke. Lower the rear of the driveshaft enough to grab it firmly and pull it out of the transmission.
Put the caps back on the u-joint and wrap some masking tape around the universal bearings so the caps do not fall off and release all the bearings.
