Bolt Size on the Mountaineer Front Driveshaft

[myata92]

Hello, I am replacing the front driveshaft on my 98 Mountaineer and I am having trouble getting the right tool for the driveshaft bolts on the rear side of the front driveshaft. They are the bolts where that require a hex head sort to go into them and turn. Does anyone know the size needed and or a good tool to take them out with? Also I have read they need to be put back into the same way beings the shaft is balanced. If I am replacing the shaft how would I go about making sure I replace it the same way the old one came out?

 

[techieman33]

The bolts don't need to go in the same, I've never put mine back in the same holes, and never had a problem. I've always used an 8mm ratchet wrench to get mine out.

 

[myata92]

the size or the tool used to take the bolts out of this end.

 

[techieman33]

Yeah an 8mm 12 point wrench or socket should work just fine

 

[myata92]

This is a picture of my bolts. An 8mm 12 point does not work on mine.

Here are some pictures of mine.

 

[my pos mounty]

Allen wrenches are required there. Maybe a 3/16th? Hard to tell and I forget what size they were, its been awhile.

 

[99SportX]

They are a metric thread so use a metric hex key. If needed, you can get a set that will adapt to a standard drive ratchet.

Those are not factory bolts. For factory bolts, you use a 8mm socket.

 

[my pos mounty]

I know mine were allen heads. And I believe mine were in there since it was new, I never had an issue with my front driveshaft until recently. I bought my truck with just a tad over 50,000 miles on it.
BUT, now that you mention it, i think they were metric.
The 8mm bolts were on the differential end though.

 

[techieman33]

yeah those aren't factory bolts. Just get your metric allen wrenches out and figure out what size you need. I would also spray then down with pb blaster, and be careful not to strip them out. If you want factory bolts you get them from the dealer for a few bucks.

 

[myata92]

Got the drive shaft changed. The hex were size 6mm. Thank you for your help!