[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

The drive shaft stays with the rear axel until it can be pulled out the side of the center support.

Originally Posted by Tom Endy

I have a pinion bearing assembly puller. It clamps to the drive shaft and pulls pinion and drive shaft out together. This is how we install Mitchell overdrives without tearing the rear end apart. It is also how we disassemble the rear end when doing an overhaul. Makes the job easier doing it this way. Once the assembly is out it is easy to take it apart. If only the Mitchell is being installed, we have a technique for removing only the drive shaft and replacing it with the stub shaft.

Tom Endy

Thanks for clarifying this Tom. There is no need to pull the driveshaft out the side of the center support.

I use the puller that Mitchell makes to pull the driveshaft and pinion out the front of the carrier. The same tool is used to reinstall the driveshaft and pinion. No need to pull axles. In fact, Steve offered to lend me a puller when I bought my O/D but I decline and bought one just incase I needed it in the future.