I can't believe my bad luck. Torching isn't working! Guess the yoke is really rusted in there. When it cools down I'll see if a garage can pull them apart.

UPDATE @2PM: ADMITTED DEFEAT AND TOOK IT TOO A GARAGE. GUY SAID HE WOULD TRY BUT IT LOOKS LIKE I HAD ALREADY DONE WHAT HE WOULD HAVE DONE. HE'S GOING TO TRY A LOT MORE HEAT ON IT THOUGH.

 

It shouldn't be that hard to separate. WD-40 isn't the best rust penetration spray, you might want to try the stuff I use in the picture below for future projects.

 

I do have some PB Blaster but have found it's no better than most all other penetrants. I'll give PB Blaster and acetone & A/T Fluid one more chance . If repair garage can't get it apart today then I'll have to go on the hunt for another driveshaft. "Can buy another new shaft for a mere $799." Wonder if automatics and std shafts are the same without crawling around underneath one of my other Xfires? Somethings gotta give soon because the car has been on jacks, in my driveway, for 2 weeks being difficult removal and waiting on parts.

 

I'm pretty sure the reason the center bearing failure is due to the splines not being able to move in and out with movement of differential and rear suspension. Driveshaft could not flex and destroyed the center support bearing.

 

Just found another source for a "new" driveshaft assembly. Comes complete with bearing, flex discs and u-joint all installed for $613 plus shipping. Still hoping to get my old one apart!
https://driveshaftstore.com/Chrysler...riveshaft-2004

 

Happy days are here again! The repair garage was able to get the driveshaft apart! He said it took a "lot" of heat and a big hammer! Best $50 I've spent in awhile! He cleaned the yoke splines but I will have to work on the female end with SS brush and jeweler's files to clean up things a bit. Gonna use a water resistant grease when it goes back together. Doesn't appear to have cooked the u-joint and seems ok.

 

Little chilly this morning so I'll wait another hour to start reassembly. i posted a pic of the car up on jack stands. I really dislike the finish condition of the rims. When time allows I'll paint them the same color of the rims on my 2006. I painted the center caps on the 2006 and added Mercedes logos in the center. I think it looks pretty good.

 

Yea! It's done and rides much smoother. Still gonna have to chase after some minor rattles. Of course the hood and the front bumper cover is lòose. No noise from center bearing clunking or front suspension though. Had to reorder the hood pins.

 

I'm glad it's back on the road, congratulations!

 

"on road" seems to be a temporary condition! Lol. Drivetrain is trustworthy now. I ordered front shocks and front fender well liners for both sides. Then there was that little mistake of right upper control arm that i neglectfully did not install. After all that i'm hoping that right side noise is gone!

 

When you get it all done, you can come on down to Apollo Beach and work on mine with me.

 

Are you having issues with your Xfire?

 

No more than the usual stuff we expect. CPS 2 wks ago, RCM yesterday. Just posted to say hello to someone in the neighborhood who also wrenches his own stuff.

 

if you need any help we ate just short distance apart. What's cps? I know PCS.

 

Crank Position Sensor.

 

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LoL. Forgot about that acronym! I was thinking maybe Child Protective Services. ha ha