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TJ Help -- Will I need a shop or not...you decide! (maybe)

Discussion in 'Quitters' Club' started by Chevallier87, Oct 8, 2015.

  1. Oct 8, 2015
    Chevallier87

    Chevallier87 Member

    Boise Idaho
    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2012
    Messages:
    230
    Hi all, haven't been around these parts recently. Hope everything has gone well for you folks.

    I recently have needed to change the u-joints out on my 04 TJ's drive shafts. Sadly, the dufus who attempted to change them prior to myself (PO or shop, dont know which..) handily stripped one of the 8 mm bolt heads bolting the cardan joint on the drive shaft to the yoke at the transfer case...Its a right pain to get to the bolt heads as the T-case blocks all but most of the angle to get at them.

    Does anyone have any suggestions to get a bolt in a tight place loose? Also, they used yellow thread locker (was able to get the other 3 bolts off...but not the last one :evil:) so Ive got that working against me....Thanks for any help gents.

    In my attempt I used a 12 point 8 mm socket...I was thinking a 6 point would be better, but the parts store only carried the 12pt...

    -Hayden
     
  2. Oct 9, 2015
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
    Messages:
    1,998
    It's hard to tell exactly what the situation is without pictures, but air tools are your friend. If you can get a socket in there an air gun should be able to get it off. Also, sometimes an SAE socket is just slightly smaller than the metric, and can be pounded onto a stripped out bolt. I've never used one but they also make a stripped bolt extractor, which basically threads itself onto the bolt head.

    If all else fails, I've had luck with vice grips. Use heat from a handheld propane torch to heat up the bolt area, and clamp it and go. Heat will almost always loosen the rusty connection considerably so that you can get it to turn. As a last resort, cut off the bolt head, drill it out, and re-tap the threads if needed.

    You can do this!!! It may not be easy, but you'll get there, and you'll have the satisfaction that you know a bit more about your rig.
     
  3. Oct 9, 2015
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
    Messages:
    4,418
    Those threaded on extractors work good. 6 point socket! Dont use a 12 point. 5/16 is pretty close to 8mm. Cant remember if its smaller or bigger but even if you have to heat the bolt head up and pound the socket on that usually works for me.
     
  4. Oct 9, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    Last edited: Oct 9, 2015
    lynn likes this.
  5. Oct 9, 2015
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    Lightly heating the yoke where the bolt goes in will help break the bond of the threadlocker.
     
  6. Oct 9, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    It sounds weird but sometimes turning the bolt a tiny bit tighter will break it loose...
     
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