Front driveshaft removal problem

[Wagoncrzy]

I'm removing the front driveshaft from a donor rig (91GW) I've gotten all the strap bolts off but one....:banghead: ...Now i know heat and pb blaster....but to get a hold of that litle 5/16 bolt is a bleep! Any one have a tip or trick to this..... It's been hell cause i'm only 10 days post op....most of the work'll have to be done by my big helper....Tom(my nephew he's 13) without him uncle jim's stay @ home would be truly tuff. I might have a set of extraction die's but I thought they were for screws not bolt heads....If you've done this let me know thyanx again jim.:)

[billyrb]

sometimes when they stick, I use a big pair of vice-grips to get lock on them (note, this will render the bolt useless after removal), and some heat applied to the yoke, and it usually comes out. Then get a replacement bolt (or better yet, switch over to u-bolt style instead of the straps)

[Headhoncho]

If there's room I would whack the head of the bolt with a hammer and flat punch just enough to shock it a bit. That usually works for me. If not, an angle grinder will take the head right off if the bolt is already ruined.
What part of Phila are you at?


JR

[drduckman]

I ruined several of mine trying to get them off, I eventually had to get one size smaller wrench and pound it on to get them off. lots of PB was used as well. Turns out mine were some freky bolt, external torx of all things. Got me a new set to replaced the chewed up ones as well as an external torx socket set, they fit perfectly.

[jaber]

The mid '80's Rangers have the same bolts. I ruined 3 out of 4 on a front shafl and had to get a new set. Been many years ago, but I think we got the set from a McParts house....

[tgreese]

Die grinder with a carbide bit.

Craftsman Bolt-Out works well too.