LSD bolt stripped what do I do? Busted a nut(s weld)

[i_zombi]

I was swapping out my LSD, and the pass side bolt that holds the diff closest to the driveshaft (1 of 2 that go straight up) came loose about 1/4 in or more then just started spinning.
I think the nut in the subframe broke free.
I can't tighten or loosen it.
I can't get to the nut because its in the subframe.
I am completely screwed because I need to put a good LSD in.
Has this happened to anyone?
Can anyone help?
Thanks
Dan

 

[koulee]

Have it towed to a shop, have them cut it out, and heli coil.

 

[SySt]

You can not just cut the bolt and helicoil it. It is a captive nut. Basically, the nut is in the subframe and has a "cage" welded around it so the nut stull has some movement, much like the targa bolts (if I remember correctly...). My advice, look for another rear subframe. Only way to fix your problem is to cut the subframe apart and weld it together. If you know anything about welding you'll know it's not the ideal way to fix the subframe. You can also do what I did for a year and run 5 out of 6 bolts that hold the differential in.

 

[jdub]

Have it towed to a shop, have them cut it out, and heli coil.

That won't work...re-read his post, the nut is spinning inside the sub-frame.

You'll very likely have to drop the rear sub-frame and either replace it or weld it. If you have to cut into the structural integrity of the frame, SySt is correct...welding is not the best idea.

I'm not sure if using a longer bolt and going through the sub-frame will work. You will have to use a grade 10 bolt minimum. There's a couple of guys here that have pulled the sub-frame...hopefully they will chime in.

 

[SySt]

I have pulled the subframe many times. Take the wheels off. Disconnect the brake calipers from the axle carrier and hang them on the damper/spring assembly. Take the bottom bolt out of the damper. Next disconnect the driveshaft from the differential. Disconnect the two park brake cables from the equalizer above the driveshaft. Remove the ten bolts from the frame and you are done. The subframe likely ways a bit more than 150lbs with the differential and suspension arms in. Make sure you have it supported well before pulling the last bolts. Assemble in reverse of course. Just make sure to follow the torque specs for the bottom bolt on the damper and put the 19mm head subframe bolts to atleast 80lbs/ft.

 

[SySt]

Also, it would not be a grade 10 bolt minimum. Likely a grade 5 or class 8.8 (same grade) would be good enough for that. However you might as well go with a grade 8 or class 10.2. SAE bolts are in grades, metric in classes.

 

[i_zombi]

I have pulled the subframe many times. Take the wheels off. Disconnect the brake calipers from the axle carrier and hang them on the damper/spring assembly. Take the bottom bolt out of the damper. Next disconnect the driveshaft from the differential. Disconnect the two park brake cables from the equalizer above the driveshaft. Remove the ten bolts from the frame and you are done. The subframe likely ways a bit more than 150lbs with the differential and suspension arms in. Make sure you have it supported well before pulling the last bolts. Assemble in reverse of course. Just make sure to follow the torque specs for the bottom bolt on the damper and put the 19mm head subframe bolts to atleast 80lbs/ft.

I was looking to see if I could replace the subframe and I didn't think you could. One thing I can't figure is disconnecting the parking brake cable, is it easy?
Or I had an idea to run by you.
What about this, cutting the head off the bolt, and welding in the gap from the exess bolt hanging down to the diff?
Dan

 

[SySt]

Do not weld the rest of the bolt to the differential... Firstly you are welding to cast iron... Secondly how will you remove it in the future? The park brake cable disconnection at the equalizer is extremely easy, you really just need to look at it for yourself. That would be far easier than me trying to describe it.

 

[jawsgear]

What about this, cutting the head off the bolt, and welding in the gap from the exess bolt hanging down to the diff?
Dan

:beer: :beer:

:umno: