Front driveshaft bolts

[tjsxplodr]

Ok, so the people I got my explorer from had replaced the manual transmission, but they DID NOT put the front driveshaft back on because they told me they lost the bolts. What size are these bolts? I have looked on ebay, and this is what I have found so far:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-2004-F...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3387cea610&vxp=mtr

Will those work? Or are they completely different?? I know how hard these bolts are to get off when they haven't been taken off before, and I really don't want to try a junkyard.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Also, is there anything else I have to get to put the driveshaft back on? All I have is the driveshaft itself, not sure if there's something else that goes with it?

Here are some pics: ALSO, there is what looks like a spot where some kind of hose goes on the transfer case?? And, on my transmission, there is one plug that is loose, not sure where it goes???

 

[tjsxplodr]

This is the top of the trans, has a plug in it, but there is also a plug hanging from it that I don't know where it goes.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Anyone?!

 

[Turdle]

The hose for the transfer case is a breather tube. Get about 5' of rubber vacuum hose and route the other end up under the hood as high as possible to keep water out. A small hose clamp will hold it on the transfer case nipple.

The electrical connector looks like it might be the shift range indicator on the transfer case. You might look on the driver side of the transfer case for an open socket it fits.

You need specific drive shaft bolts, and a set of u joint clamps with bolts for the differential end. You might find them easiest at a salvage yard near you.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Thank you so much Turdle! I was wracking my brain what that nipple thing was! As far as the bolts go, I am going to the junkyard tomorrow. Hopefully it doesn't rain lol. Those bolts are a PITA to remove from what I've heard.

 

[Turdle]

You will need a 12mm 12 point wrench,a hammer to whack it, and maybe a torch to heat the bolts for the transfer case end.

 

[tjsxplodr]

I dont own a torch. I will just see what i can do.

 

[arco777]

I have removed the bolts reliably several times by using a 12 point wrench of good quality with something added for leverage. I've used two wrenches linked together reliabily, though it's not the safest way, you could also use a cheater pipe. You will want to immobilize the driveline somehow, easiest way is to put the trans in Park and transfer case in 4WD. Remove one bolt at a time, shift to Neutral and rotate driveline by hand to access the next bolt.

 

[Bruces expo]

I'm pretty sure my Front Drive shaft bolts are not 12mm and they are stock , they are 8mm 12 Point , and the front bolts going into the pumpkin are Star or Hex in the center and 10mm , I just had mine off a few days ago while doing a new fuel filter .

 

[tjsxplodr]

You are correct. I went to the junkyard today and the front driveshaft bolts are much smaller than 12 mm. 10 mm i believe. I didnt have the correct tools to take them off.

 

[Bruces expo]

On the transfer case side of my 91 navajo , the size is 8mm 12 point , on the pumpkin side I use the star/Hex 3/8 socket not sure which size .

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ok thanks! How on earth did u get the transfer case side bolts off? There isnt any room for a socket wrench and a socket.

 

[Bruces expo]

Ok thanks! How on earth did u get the transfer case side bolts off? There isnt any room for a socket wrench and a socket.

on the transfer case side I use a 8mm 12 Point Wrench , hold onto the drive shaft with one hand , and the wrench with the other and turn .

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ok that makes sense

 

[tjsxplodr]

Do you know what size the front bolts are for the star part?

 

[Bruces expo]

I'm not sure , my star/hex are cheap and do not have the size on them .

 

[tjsxplodr]

I just went ahead and bought a star set with many sizes.