Method for facilitating the installation of an axially adjustable driveshaft assembly in a vehicle

摘要

A method for pre-positioning the driveshaft sections of an axially adjustable driveshaft assembly prior to installation within a vehicle to facilitate the installation process. An installation tool is provided with first and second members which are movable relative to one another. Reference indicia are provided on one or both of the members such that mounting surfaces provided thereon can be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined amount. The mounting surfaces of the installation tool are mounted on separate sections of the driveshaft assembly. Then, the driveshaft sections are moved relative to one another until the reference indicia provided on the installation tool are properly aligned. When such alignment is achieved, the overall axial length of the driveshaft assembly is approximately equal to the desired length between the engine/transmission assembly and the axle assembly. Then, the installation tool is removed, and the driveshaft assembly is installed in the vehicle. Because the overall axial length of the driveshaft assembly has been pre-positioned to the desired length, little or no adjustment thereof will be required to install the driveshaft assembly within the vehicle.