Removing driveshaft concerns, please read

[alice]

I need to remove my driveshaft because I am dropping my gas tank. I am concerned that the bolts that hold the carrier bearings are going to break due to rust. I have been soaking them in PB blaster with hopes of the bolts not breaking. If they do break, what is involved with replacing the bolts to hold the carrier bearings on? Thanks for any help.

 

[jrohner]

I broke one of mine (didn't even look rusty), and I just welded it back together. 1.5-2 years later, no issues. Try an electric impact first, they seem to be least apt to twist off bolts.

 

[alice]

You welded the broken bolt back together?

 

[jrohner]

Sure did.

 

[alice]

Has anyone every drilled out the old stud and just ran a new bolt through the hole up into the body?

 

[Achelea]

Only problem with drilling it out and just using a new stud is finding a replacement. I guess you could do it.

Personally I would only drill it out if it was the last chance. But then I'd also see about trying to weld a nut to the other side and put the stud in, then weld the stud to the nut and use that.

 

[Lofty]

I wouldn't worry about it unless it happens. Be careful. It shouldn't break. Make sure you take care to organize the washers and label them properly, unless you want to have to re level your driveshaft, which I'm assuming is not fun. When dropping it have a buddy hold it up, or at least put a jack stand underneath it to avoid it from dropping and tearing your lobro joint or any of the rubber boots down there and/or dropping on yourself. It's not too hard, just soak them as long as you can and I WOULDN'T suggest using anything but a hand tool on it, no impact or anything. That's just my idea though. It is what it is. Best of luck!

 

[alice]

Thanks for all the help all! All of the nuts came right off. I soaked them in PB blaster for days and then little by little as I loosened the nuts with the ratchet. They all came right off no problem!!