Vibration Dampener -- Stripped Bolts

[Triton46]

The bolts holding the vibration dampener onto the transfer case are tight as hell. Even after working one bolt all the way out, I still had to hammer away at the wrench...with a hammer!

Two of the bolts would not move at all and as a result have stripped. What can be done to remove these tough bolts. I have already tried WD-40 as well as vice grips...even the vice grips strip the bolt.

 

[JDraper]

You can try an 'easy out'. It's a reverse threaded tap that will bite into the bolt and help remove it. You will have to drill a hole in the end of the bolt to do it. A second choice is drill the bolt out completely (don't go too deep) and put a helicoil in. First choice is mucho preferrable.

BTW, go get some liquid wrench or other penetrating oil to use on the bolt before you try anything else. WD-40 doesn't work so well for that. Let it soak for a while (several hours or overnight), and then give it a try.

 

[Triton46]

Thanks Jeff.

I wound up taking an even easier route out...I pumped all the old ATF out through the fill hole then pumped the new stuff back in.

Is there any reason I may ever have to take the dampener off? I am going to leave it alone for now...but certainly don't like leaving stripped bolts on like that.