Installing Drive Shaft on TKO500

[BobsMK4]

I need some help with installing the drive shaft on a new TKO500 transmission. TREMEC says that You do not have to remove the rubber donut on the output shaft. They say it will simply slide forward on the shaft when the slip-yoke is installed. I tried to test fit the drive shaft and I couldn't get this rubber donut to budge. I don't want to ruin the seal so I stopped. I tried a large socket on the donut and hamered on it, but it would not move. Does anyone have experience with this situation? Should I just remove the donut or do something else? This is a pic of the rear of the trans.38880

[michael everson]

It can be stubborn. I had more trouble trying to pull it out. It could be that your drive shaft is a little snug and that's why it wont go in. Some people have had to sand down the outer diameter a tiny bit to get it to slide in.
Mike

[Feen]

I had the same problem and could in no way get it to budge, so I took it out

[BobsMK4]

How thick is the rubber donut? What is the easiest way to get it out without damaging the seal?

[Avalanche325]

Take it out.

[bansheekev]

Two pairs of needle nose pliers and a very thin flat blade screwdriver. I use the screwdriver to break the seal away from the shaft then used the needle nose pliers to get a grip on it and wiggle it out. Just make sure not to grab onto the oil seal for the driveshaft. Get the pliers between the driveshaft seal and the plug.

Kevin


How thick is the rubber donut? What is the easiest way to get it out without damaging the seal?

[mcwho]

Two pairs of needle nose pliers and a very thin flat blade screwdriver. I use the screwdriver to break the seal away from the shaft then used the needle nose pliers to get a grip on it and wiggle it out. Just make sure not to grab onto the oil seal for the driveshaft. Get the pliers between the driveshaft seal and the plug.

Kevin

Yep, this worked for me!, tried to push the inner donut forward with no luck.

I used two pairs of small needlenose pliers after prying it away from the driveshaft with a small wide screwdriver. Be carefull not to damage the (outer) seal.

[BobsMK4]

I finally pulled out that stubborn rubber donut. Two needle nose pliers and a lot of wiggling worked. I didn't realize the donut was so long. I was relieved that I didn't damage the seal. I'm glad I checked this out before I installed the engine and transmission. Thanks for everyone's help!

Bob

[bansheekev]

Keep it for later to put back in if you ever pull the tranny. It will keep a whole lot of oil from spilling all over the place...

[DaleG]

Keep it for later to put back in if you ever pull the tranny. It will keep a whole lot of oil from spilling all over the place...

Aah...I know this all too well:mad:

[stroked 6t5]

Hi all,
TKO600 here but same problem. I just got on the donut with a set of channel locks and yanked it out. Problem solved.
Regards,
Andy

[smithbks]

Does anyone know where you can purchase the donut? In my enthusiasm when I first received the transmission I either lost or threw it away. Now I am facing a driveshaft change in the near future with a TKO full of oil. I'd love to just push the donut in temporarily and not drain the whole thing. This may sound silly but could I also jack up the rear end over the front to keep it from draining out?

[michael everson]

I could be wrong, but if its filled to the proper level it shouldn't come out. At least on a level surface.
Mike