Manage to strip one of the bolts that connects the front driveshaft to the t-case. Its completely stripped. I tried wrenches, vise grips, and even tried to bang on a 7mm socket just to get a bite, but that didn't work either. I also tried to chisel a groove in the head and use a screwdriver, but as i go deeper down the opening at the top gets bigger. I haven't seen a bolt removal kit for a 5/16.

Need some suggestions or ideas ASAP as the temp is starting to drop fast here.







Thanks in advance.

 

i would cut the head off with a grinder or hacksaw if you can get it in there, but i know that area is tight, than once the the shaft is out of the way you should be able to spin the rest of the bolt out with visegrips.

 

Do you think this would work...

Drill a hole in the center of it, then use a screw removal tool?

Or this if I can find it...

 

got a welder? weld a flat piece of metal to the top, or something you could grip with vice grips, just to get it started at least

 

I'd cut the head off as mentioned above. There will be less tension on it and should be easier to remove. And if it still doesn't want to turn you'll have more room to work at it.

 

The welder is tucked away in the shed buried by god knows what.

But I may have to dig it out. Didn't think of that. I'll see how tomorrow goes.

 

you may be able to heat it up with a torch and then try with the vise grips. not sure if there are any seals near where it is though.

 

I have horrible luck with EZ Outs, they either wind up not working or breaking off in the bolt. I'd take a propane torch to the bolt to melt the loctite and then try vicegrips or the socket style stripped bolt removers.

 

Vise Grips keep slipping.

 

what brand wrench are you using? 6 or 12 point? just curious


and vice grips suck for that ****. I know space up there is tight.

Is it possible to get a grinder in there and make a notch for a screw driveR?

 

that's a good point, you might be able to get a grip on it with a 12 point socket.

it not just fill it up with jb weld haha, never tried it but hey it is plausable

 

actually a 6pt would offer more of a chance.

 

Craftsmen. I was using a 6 point.

To get a grinder up there I'd have to remove the skid and even then I'm not positive if I'd be able to finagle a grinder up there.

The bolt is practically round now.

 

think so huh, I still say fill the socket with jb weld and stick it on there, let it dry and crank

 

uh huh.. i doooo!


try Casey's idea, unless you have access to a real welder.. I welded a socket to one of those dumbass external torx bolts on a jeep bell housing a few months ago haha

 

How long does that JB weld stuff take to dry?

 

weld something to it and then heat that bolt up. then it will turn out...

 

Walt , look around for a piece of steel to use for a long enough extension that you can place one end on the top of the bolt head and be able to hit the other end with a hammer.
Think of it as though you are trying to drive the bolt in as if it were a nail.
You need to hit the extension with hard ,quick raps . Don't be afraid to beat the h3ll out of it.
Then try the vise-grips again.

 

Too long and it will not have enough tension strength to break the bolt loose.

 

I tried banging a 7mm socket onto it, but no luck.

Guess I'll be digging out the welder tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for your ideas. If anyone has anything else let me know, I'm all hears.

 

I got some special sockets from advanced auto parts. They are like easy-outs,except they are sockets, so you dont have to drill holes. I have always had luck with those. If you can find them I'd tried those.

 

The set I have is small, and they are not craftsman, but they look exactly like these.
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_101...Mechanic+Tools


The set I got was about 20 bucks or so.

 

you can see the end of the bolt the threaded end in the back HEAT IT with a torch not melting hot but heat it those bolts do have lock tite on them doesnt take much but should be enough that the vice grips will work after you heat it. seen alot of guys recommend that to you but dont see you said you tried yet. but yes if that doesnt work your down to welding

 

Ok thanks everyone for your help. Finally got it out.


Now the drive shaft doesn't want to come out. Damn rust and 130,000 miles and original parts.

 

how did you get it out? give it some love taps