I pulled the motor and tranny out of my 91 Z28 and had to remove the long metal shield that goes from the tailshaft of the tranny to the rear end. My question is whether or not i have to put this big obnoxious things back under the car, or if i can just leave it off. any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Tyler

"Can I?" is always an interesting question, with the answer usually being a qualified yes...
I'm going to go ahead and answer "should I" instead.

No. That big obnoxious thing is actually part of your suspension and the car will drive like crap without it any time you accelerate, with some argument being made for it also helping to locate the rear end in cornering.

Mount the front in the bushing first; don't tighten it down. Get a jack under the diff and raise the pumpkin until the angles of the torque arm (big obnoxious thing) and the differential are close. Slide it on. Don't be afraid to use a hammer. That said, use a real hammer. If it has claws, it belongs in a house, not under your car. when you get close use a punch/screwdriver/bolt/lever of some sort to line up the bolt holes. I prefer to have the torque arm out of the way when bolting up the shaft, but it works either way.

Good luck.

Dave

I've never heard of the torque arm called a drive shaft shield. LOL. It is very important, becuase third gens use a three link suspension from the factory, it has two lower control arms, and that torque arm. the torque arm does alot! First off it stops the pinion from rotating under acceleration, it transfers the rotaional force of the axle into traction. It also helps locate the rear end left to right and front to back. All in All it is really a good setup, even in stock form.

I dont recommend leaving it out!