I'm stuck tearing down my 8.8" rear end. I can not loosen the bolts holding the flange to the pinion end of the drive shaft.



Is there a special tool to remove these bolts? See red arrows:





Thanks!

 

Soak 'em with some penetrating oil, they likely have not been out in a long time, if ever. Might as well spray some on that pinion nut while you're at it. I'd try an impact with a 12 point socket, but don't get crazy with it. If they won't come out that way, then heat the flange up with a torch.

 

Thanks! I bought a set of metric 12 points this morning (all I had were 6 points) and the bolts came right off with the 12mm 12pt socket. Right tool for the job always works!