Swingarm/ Driveshaft Service

[damark115]

I am in the middle of doing my own service. I am not afraid to turn a wrench and too cheap to pay someone else. After spending multiple hours reading all related threads here and Gadget's page I decided to plunge head first into this. I read and re-read the shop manual to understand what goes where. I own a 2000 FI Nomad with 18000 miles. I ride rain or shine and figured since I bought it with 5000 miles there was probably need for work. Since I was doing my own tires I knew the extra hour or so would be well spent. If you do have the bike apart, SPEND THE EXTRA TIME! My swingarm seals were bad, there was minimal grease in the bearings and my driveshaft u-joint was notchy feeling. God knows what would have happened if the shaft blew or what more may have been damaged due to vibration. Kawasaki calls for replacing the driveshaft. After reading Gadget's page there are alternatives. I ordered the Tucker Rocky #57-8236 u-joint from a local shop. $21.99. After reading macmac's threads I plan to check and fix any side freeplay when the arm goes back in. I plan to put a grease fitting in the swingarm and possibly the u-joint if it doesn't have one (its not here yet). You can bet I will take it all apart again at the next tire change.
DO NOT ASSUME EVERYTHING IS OK. The thing I read about most often is about lack of grease.
If you cannot take it apart yourself, get someone to do it for you. It is money and time well spent.
The best tips I got was from reading here at KAWANOW. I even took digital photos to remember what went where since middle age has eaten half my brain.
It isn't that hard to do with minimal ability and tools.
I can't wait to get this back together and start the front.
Thanks go out to macmac for the pm's and anyone else who posted here.

Mark