I started in on removing the tranny & xfer case today, in preparation for R&R of the slave cylinder on my '92 XJ, and I've run into a problem. In removing the front driveshaft from the double cardan joint, I rounded the head on one of the 5/16 bolts securing the shaft to the DC joint. (Should've started with the 6-point mini-socket instead of the 12-point flat box end wrench!) I've got the other 3 bolts loose, but am stumped as to how to proceed. I can't drill it out, as the collar of the DC joint prevents me from getting anything near a straight shot at it. At this point I figure my best bet is to just drop the drivetrain with the front driveshart still attached, but I'm hoping someone here has a Geewhiz idea to get purchase on the bolt. Would it work to press the U-joints out while it's on the vehicle? The bolt head is also size 5/16, so there's not much material to apply any amount of torque to, were I to cut a slot in it for a screwdriver. Yeah, I should've hit them with penetrating oil yesterday, or a torch today, but it's too late for that now (although I did both before trying - unsucessfully - one last time). I'd be grateful for any ideas. FWIW, I did a search and the one result didn't address the remove-the-u-joint option. Thx,
- Joe
- Joe