Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I plan to replace the u-joints on the drive shaft, front and back.

After doing some reading on various(non-roadster) websites, it sounds like a pretty easy job. Just want to make sure i'm doing it right. Don't know if the roadster will have any slight variations
i should know of.

So,
I peeked under the car at the rear u-joint looking for U-bolts
holding the joints together, but there are none.
I assume I will need to remove the 4 bolts that hold the
yoke to the rear differential instead?? correct??

Also, after doing so, I should be able to slide the whole
drive shaft out of the tranny.. correct??
Don't need to pull the engine/tranny, rite?

From there, I think its pretty much the same procedure
as i've read. Remove the C-clips, remove the caps, etc.

Any more Info/Hints/Tips are much appreciated.

Thanks guys,

We do it a little different (like everything else). There is a plate attached to the rear u-joint that attaches directly to the rear end via 4 bolts and nuts. If I remember correctly, you'll have to rotate the driveshaft to get to all of them.

KT,

It sounds like you have it right. Some other vehicles use a similar driveshaft setup to the Roadster, but most have the U-bolts. Just undo the 4 bolts that hold the driveshaft companion flange to the pinion flange on the differential and then you should be able to pull the whole shooting match out. It is good practice to mark things so that you can get them back in the same relationship (for balance reasons).

When you are replacing the U-joints, just follow the instructions you found for the yoke end while doing both ends on the Roadster. It should be pretty straight forward. Make sure you have good quality lubricants, and it would be a good idea to clean out the bores in the yokes before you put the new caps in...

Yep, what Sid and Bucky said. I would recommend gettng the joints with grease zerks so you can periodically lubricate the much abused parts. And definitely mark the parts well as balance is important when it comes to spinning parts.

Steve