Can't get this part of the drive shaft out. All the videos I watch, didn't have this rubber boot and the drive shaft just slid right out. How do I get this off. I need to replace the U joints in this section.

 

You need to first undo the two straps (8mm bolts, IIRC) on the rear end where the U-joint attaches to the front of the differential. After those are off, pull that first metal band clamp off the boot, then you should be able to slide the whole assembly forward so the rear U-joint clears the differential yoke and then back and off. You might need to give the rear U-joint a careful whack with a hammer in case it's rusted to the yoke a bit.

 

Already did that and got the rear end of the shaft disconnected. I was afraid to mess with that metal band until I asked.

 

Got it. Thank you

 

I pulled my shaft (giggity) the other day, so it's fresh in my mind. You can very likely reuse that metal band if you spread the crimped section out enough to let the teeth disengage.

 

Yep, its just a boot. I broke both my clamps so I just ziptied it closed. Grease the splines of that slip yoke shaft. Some guys use Anti-seize.

 

Ended up getting a new clip when I got the u-joints and did grease up the splines before putting everything back together. Thanks guys.

 

For what it's worth, I've used both grease and anti-seize on the slip yoke splines and anti-seize worked way better. The grease wore off in like 2 weeks or less, and the anti-seize has been good for like 2 months now.