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MB GPW G503 WWII Military Jeep Drive shaft Propeller shaft install WW2 Restoration

This Article describes how to install your WWII jeep propeller shafts on the drive train. Applies to 1942,42,1943,43,1944,44,1945 Jeeps models


This article applies to both Willys MB and Ford GPW WWII Military Jeeps 


1. Installing propeller shafts is not a difficult job. To start with, make sure your jeep is off the ground and the transmission. Place your transfer case gears to engage in 4W high or low, otherwise when you try and tighten your u-bolts the axle will want to spin.

1. Pete Silfven tip: Make sure the driveshaft is phased correctly so the yokes line up with each other when assembling the slip joint. Also, make sure that the two free cups seat down between the tabs on the pinion flange.

2. Are your U-Joints ready to go? if not, replace them with this article.
From either end, loosen the U bolts on the Axle housing and line up the front propeller shaft and install. Place the U Bolts around the u-joint bearings and tighten.

3. Line up the flange yolk on the transfer case and loosen the U Bolts, attach around the u-joint and tighten.

Note: position of the yolk is on the transfer case side.

4. Complete the install by moving to the otherside of your propeller shaft and repeat the steps for installing the u-bolts.

5. Next, lets move to the rear propeller shaft. Start at the transmission end, where the emergency brake drum is located. Align the Flange Yolk to the transmission drum and install the 4 bolts located on the face plate.

6. Like the front shaft install, stretch or compress the propeller shaft to line up with the rear axle. Here you see the rear drive shaft as the "fat" model. We are working on a late model GPW, your rear propeller shaft maybe the "thin" version.

7. Loosen the U bolts on the rear axle and aling the u-joint into place. Tighten the U bolts into place.

8. Done! your rear propeller shaft is installed. Place your gears into the neutral position and spin the wheels and review the axles moving and u joints spining correctly.


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