I have a 96 Olds Bravada. 4.3L V6 with SmartTrak.

The Universal Joint on the Front Drive Shaft broke and I am trying to do the repair on that shaft.

The shaft is marked 'CRL', and I have been successful in removing all eight bolts that hold the shaft in place.

My issue, is, how do I pull the shaft out? By that, I mean, the Exhaust Pipe goes under the front part of the shaft and the bracket support is just in front the Transfer Case. What angle and position do I need to put the shaft in to remove it from that area?

I am ready to change out both UV Joints, as there is a Yoke with two UV Joints towards the rear of that shaft.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Update:

On that 96 Olds Bravada, when I got to remove the bolts from the back side, the side closest to the Transfer Case, and looked at the two UV Joints on the Yoke. the Y-Yoke kept locking up, seizing up. Like something was blocking it from moving. When I inspected it closer, it seem that the Y-Yoke has some type of 'pin' on the other side of it, past the first UV Joint, that keeps it from moving to far in either direction. Well, that seems to be shot. There is a retaining ring that keeps moving around and is blocking that 'pin/point' and is keeping it from moving.

So, regardless of me changing out both of those UV Joints, I would still have to figure out how that part of the Yoke works. Question: Is that a part that I can purchase at an auto parts store? If so, who carries it? NAPA? Autozone? Else, I probably be better off in ordering a replacement Front Shaft for my vehicle. Anyone have a good source/place that has a good price on it, that won't require a core charge?

Thanks.