There is really no need to remove the drive shaft. You have to remove the entire swing arm to get it out. The splines up by the engine don't seem to wear like the ones at the back. Just remove the bevel box and using your finger coat the outside of the drive shaft spline (which is up inside the swing arm tube). Then do the same on the inside of the final drive spline. Much like KY jelly, when you think you have way to much, you have almost enough
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P.S. don't lose the little spring that goes between the drive shaft and the bevel box. To re-install the bevel bevel box, I push it into the swing arm tube with the drive shaft still laying on the bottom. Move it around in a circular motion and it will eventually find it's way in. Leave the bevel box mounting bolts finger tight until the rear axle is installed and tightened. Then tighten them the rest of the way. This makes sure the bevel box is square to the wheel and not putting a bind on the rear wheel bearings.