How to Remove the Slip Yoke on a Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado trucks come equipped with a slip yoke that is inserted into the rear of the driveshaft. The slip yoke moves in and out of the driveshaft to prevent putting too much stress on the rear U-joints. The slip yoke connects to the differential yoke. The rear U-joints and U-joint straps are the components that connect the slip yoke to the differential yoke. The main reason for removing a slip yoke is to replace the U-joints that connect the slip yoke to the rear differential yoke.

Instructions

1

Park the Chevrolet Silverado on a level surface and set the parking brake. Place the wheel chocks in front of both rear wheels and behind both rear wheels.

2

Slide under the rear of the truck and locate the slip yoke. The slip yoke is attached to a shaft that is inserted into the rear of the driveshaft. The slip yoke itself is attached to the yoke on the front of the rear differential.

3

Matchmark the slip yoke and the top of the differential yoke with the piece of chalk. Loosen and remove the U-joint straps from the slip yoke by turning the strap bolts counterclockwise with a ratchet and a socket. Place the bolts and straps in a safe place.

4

Place a block of wood on the ground underneath the slip yoke. Slide the end of a pry bar between the slip yoke and the differential yoke. Pry the slip yoke away from and off of the differential yoke. Lower the slip yoke on top of the block of wood.

5

Remove the grease cap at the end of the slip yoke shaft by turning the cap counterclockwise with the large pliers. Once the grease cap is off, pull out on the slip yoke with your hands until it slides out of the driveshaft. Use a rubber mallet if necessary to tap the slip yoke shaft out of the driveshaft.

6

Reverse the same steps as outlined above to reinstall the slip yoke to the driveshaft and to the rear differential yoke. Be sure to install the slip yoke in the same direction as the old slip yoke by using the chalk marks as a reference. Torque the U-joint strap bolts to 20 to 25 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and a socket.