Thread: Front tailshaft...URGENT HELP!!

Thanks to all and especially Graeme.
It was your comment Graeme about "put the metal ring in last" that solved it, once the stumped mechanic left the dismantled shaft in my hands and retreated to his office to "look on the internet for a picture"... I commandeered his computer and looked here then went back to his bench. I had a look and someone (he said ) had put the metal ring with the seal in first, then the "cup washer".... so of course it would not seat properly!!
Once I had extracted this, it all went back together in 20mins no worries. Thank goodness the he did not try to charge me for about 5 hours of labour, as he put it "well I didn't fix it for you"...
All up $120.
The last nightmare was freeing up the spline. I had to put two u bolts through the flanges and jack it apart on the kangaroo jack with some heat and "the persuader" - the rear end of a block spliter. All good now.
As an aside it appears they coat the splines with some clear finish which I guess should not be scrubbed off or it may open out the clearances beyond tolerance? The heat had started to melt it a little but it's still ok.
I put a grease nipple in the previously grub scew filled hole too, and a cable tie to hold the rubber dust boot in place.
Once again thatnks guys!
Dave

it all takes time to re-assemble properly,
pity your not in Melbourne I know good driveline people called Mr.Universe-all
located in Ferntree Gully.
they do all types repairs on tailshafts at resonable prices