Driveshaft will not turn in neutral?

2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
565,000 MILES • 6.0L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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OLIVERERIC423
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Attempting to replace spider gear in my truck listed above 2500hd. Parts are coming on Monday but wanted to get the project going so that after work Monday I can just start replacing the gears. I got the wheels off and took off the brake calipers. I put the truck in neutral and went to turn the driveshaft to get the differential in the position it needs to be in, but the driveshaft will not turn. Am I missing something? What should be my next step? Also, if there's any tips on replacing the spider gears in a 10.5 inch differential, that would help greatly! Thanks!
Jul 15, 2023 at 4:35 PM
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STRAILER
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Are you sure it is the spider gears that are bad because a bad ring or pinion gear will make it, so the driveshaft doesn't turn. Anyway, remove the driveshaft from the differential and see if you can turn the driveshaft. This will help us see which side the problem is on. Here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-remove-a-drive-shaft

This video may help you as well. It shows how to get the axles and spider gears out.

https://youtu.be/ytqXLSjHNm0

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Jul 16, 2023 at 11:01 AM
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OLIVERERIC423
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I am not sure it is the spider gears. Looking at it today I don't even know where they would be at. I do not have an opening anywhere on the side to find any gears. I guess I should've looked before ordering them, but I can always return them if needed. However, when turning the driveshaft while disconnected from the differential it seems to turn fine. In fact, the differential seemed to turn just fine when disconnected from the driveshaft. I'm thinking it's possible u joint on the rear causing it. Also, when draining the old fluid, it was almost a dark chocolate pudding color. I'm almost positive that's not normal but I am not a mechanic by any means, so I do not know at all.
Jul 16, 2023 at 1:57 PM
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STRAILER
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No problem, can you turn the driveshaft once it is disconnected?
Jul 17, 2023 at 10:23 AM
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OLIVERERIC423
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Yes I can.
Jul 17, 2023 at 1:19 PM
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STRAILER
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This means the rear differential is the problem, I would remove the rear cover for inspection. Please go over this video to help:

https://youtu.be/6F26Kir0OCg

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
Jul 18, 2023 at 10:22 AM