engine and drivetrain How do I remove the driveshaft at the CSB?

[pmg]

How does one go about removing the front portion of the driveshaft? I've successfully disconnected the giubo end, but I can't for the life of me loosen the 18mm bolt inside the u-joint near the center support bearing.

 

Any tricks? I've tried pb blaster, a blow torch, and good measure of swear words but nothing seems to be working.

 

[bento]

Looks like its still on the car. You probably won't be able to get the leverage you need laying on your back under the car.

A really big pipe wrench to hold the drive shaft, a 3' pipe on your combination wrench (I cut the open end off one so I could slide a section of 3/4" water pipe over it), lots of swearing, and perhaps a helper is all it takes.

The penetrating oil and heat may help too. I left it soaking in penetrating oil overnight.

Looks like you marked the driveshaft already, so I assume you've read some of the threads/ articles on this topic already.

EDIT: Clarified which wrench the pipe goes on.

Edited February 14, 2015 by bento

[Buckeye]

+1

Adding pictures to what bento said for illustration purposes.

[M3M3]

It has got to be out of the car.

[KFunk]

I usually hold it still with a vise, and slide a big pipe or a second big wrench on the 1st wrench for leverage.

[xferboy]

or take apart the u-joint (when was it replaced last?) and get an impact on it.

[bento]

or take apart the u-joint (when was it replaced last?) and get an impact on it.

I understand this to be a non-trivial thing to do. Much easier to modify a wrench to fit in there. Of course, if the u-joint is bad then that's a different story, but probably not DIY for most of us.

[pmg]

Thanks for the help guys. I was able to get this off with an overnight soak and following parts of bento's suggestion.

 

I actually slipped two wrenches inside the u-joint, one on the 18mm bolt with the pipe for leverage and another tiny one twisting the joint in the opposite direction. 

 

Next time I'll remove the complete shaft before separating it at the middle with a pipe wrench.

[bento]

Thanks for the help guys. I was able to get this off with an overnight soak and following parts of bento's suggestion.

 

I actually slipped two wrenches inside the u-joint, one on the 18mm bolt with the pipe for leverage and another tiny one twisting the joint in the opposite direction. 

 

Next time I'll remove the complete shaft before separating it at the middle with a pipe wrench.

Nice work. I take it you left the driveshaft under the car? I'm impressed you got it apart. It took all my strength and the cheater bar to get it apart. Are you working on a lift or jack stands?