Symptoms when viscus coupling or front diff spider gears lock up

[koda2000]

Is the bolt head rounded too much? I've taken them off with both a socket or a Torx bit. Make sure the tool fits tight though, and spray it first with PB Blaster etc.

I was not able to get even a thin-walled socket on mine. Caused me to have to drive to the auto parts store to buy a new torx socket when I broke mine. I remember thinking, why didn't Ford just use a bolt with a slightly smaller head instead of a combo hex and torx bolt?

 

[Centaurus5.0]

I've seen the VC fail both ways. They either seize up which creates binding in the front end or blow out which would be the black stuff in the fluid.

Try finding a bolt or drill bit thats just a tiny bit bigger than the center hole, tap it in and then pull it out (hopefully with the broken torx tip) with some pliers.

I hate them friggin' driveshaft bolts...

 

[RandomNerd2000]

If that was my bolt, what I'd do is get a set of O Ring picks and try getting a grip on it, I've done that before, and it actually works generally if it's a relevant break off.

 

[CDW6212R]

The piece inside the bolt head looks like it's pinched in, staked in. It looks like someone placed an object over the Torx opening and hammered it, staking the corners down. If that is that way, I'd work on finding/making a socket fit.

 

[koda2000]

The piece inside the bolt head looks like it's pinched in, staked in. It looks like someone placed an object over the Torx opening and hammered it, staking the corners down. If that is that way, I'd work on finding/making a socket fit.

You might be right about that. Hard to tell. IDK how/why that would have happened. Obviously some previous "craftsman" has been in there.

 

[CDW6212R]

Yeah, one of those you have to have eyes on it and then decide what to do. A forum isn't as good as being there, we do a lot of "guessing" to help people.

 

[tkoden]

I was able to get it out but had to destroy the strap tok do it. Can't imagine it will be too hard to find another strap.

The down side is it didn't fix my steering problem. Not sure where to go next.

 

[CDW6212R]

Sorry that didn't take care of the steering issue.

Here's a link to the straps for the front u-joint. I bought those back in Summer for my truck that didn't have a front shaft. It's a
2-70-18X Dana Spicer U-Joint Strap Kit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A4HYVVS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Centaurus5.0]

I have noticed that when I turn hard and back up or go forward in dirt parking lots that the rear tires slip a lot almost like everything is locked up tight.

Sounds like your 8.8 limited slip differential is working as it should.