Inspect Driveshaft spring

[rkjjeep]

I am going through a 1982 LS that came back to me after 20 years with a friend.  He described a loud clunk from somewhere in the driveline when engaging the clutch.  I'm going to send the transmission and rear drive off for a rebuild.  How do I inspect the spring on the driveshaft to make sure it is OK? Thanks

[georgesgiralt]

HEllo,
I've had this problem myself on my R65. The problem lies in the coupling shaft and not in the spring.
The spring is a mighty one and you have to devise or buy a compressing tool to get to the clip. Once the clip has been out of it's groove, release the tool slowly and get all the parts out. Inspect the two bell parts to see if there are chips or worn parts.
Putting back the clip is another funny business. I used a 13 mm tube wrench with the clip on it to drive it near it's final place and put it slowly into place using a screw driver.... Easier said than done.

The tool I used was designed by a German and he made a small batch. I was lucky enough to buy one. A piece goes into the coupling bell and is shaped like the input shaft of the rear drive. It has two ears onto which you put two all threads going into a square sturdy clamp affixed to the gearbox end of the Cardan shaft. The whole swing arm is held in a wise on the bench... I could not find the relaxed dimensions of the spring to check it's wear. So I also replaced it.... I do not want to remove it again...
Hope this helps

[Rev Light]

I concure with Goerge.  On my R65 we replaced the coupling as the 'cup' part had some wear on the 'driven' face.  It cured the 'clunk' on take off.

The bike has to be high mileage for this to be an issue.  Mine suffered from it from when I first had it at about 95,000 miles. 

This bike is now back in my care, but its only done a few hendred miles since I last rode it.  Possible 120,000 miles

Cheers

Steve

[dogshome]

The clunk on mine went after I changed the driveshaft oil. What came out was quite nasty.