i'm almost done with my 5 speed swap, i'm on the drive shaft install step(last step) and it's driving me crazy. its only the left one that is concerning me, i keep bumping/pushing/shoving it in there and it just wont "click" like its suppose to. this sounds stupid, but is there an easier way to installing that left one. i was considering taking the whole strut and showck assembly off to get alittle better clearance, but i dont want to go through the trouble, if theres a different way. please offer some advice, i haven't driven my car in 2 weeks, and i really need this, and want this done. thanks

 

hmmm, this shouldn't be too hard: make sure the retaining clip on the end of the left shaft isn't too messed up (i reused mine). I'd install the left one first, push it in as far as you can, then create a slide-hammer effect with the outer CV joint: pull it away from the tranny and shove it back in. You won't get a big click, but look under there and you should be able to see if its in place. the fat part of the shaft should be close to the tranny like it was before you pryed it out. If its there, its in, and not going anywhere with the wheel hub in place. hope this helps.

 

i used to hit it with a sledge hammer. i would put the nut on the end so you don't ruin the treads, put a piece of wood against the nut and give it a few good hits. worked everytime.
also, i change the retaining clips every time i pull out the shafts. you need to make sure you use the correct size clip.

 

good tips, but be careful *not* to hit the threaded ends directly, i ruined mine with just a carpenter's hammer. they're soft.

 

I never liked the idea of hitting the axle on the end...I usually take a 2x4 wrapped in a towel, put it on the inner boot (not too far in, or you'll tear it!) and hit that...goes right in, every time.

 

Thanks for the help. hopefully this will work. and i had to buy brand new manual half shafts that already came with a new retaining clip so it should still be good.