StingrayJim
NCM Lifetime Member #1936

Stingray's '76���������������������������� StingrayJr's '78���������������������������Lil Red '94

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks guys.  I went to sears hardware and picked up another set of rounded bolt extractors – this time I found one that was/is deep set and I actually got these bolts out !  the heads are perfectly rounded and buggered to all hell. 

The set I had utilizes a 7/8^th bolthead for leverage, but the flat part of the bolt would ride against the spindle flange – these new ones are deep set enough that the 7/8^th head extends out beyond the flange.  I have the half shaft off and I am ordering new bolts from Ecklers - $11 for a set…..not bad.  Thanks for the feed back.  I am grateful that I do not have to pull the entire hub.

I was only going to repair the drivers side – now that I see how much work this is, I’ll also order a new differential yoke for the passenger side and replace the u-joints.  I have been speaking with Cthulhu as I have never done this before, didn’t want to pester him with yet another question so I posted here.  

Today I need to go out and get the darn differential case open – those two bolts that connect the case to the cross member are giving me hell.  I got one out but have no leverage on the other.  I soaked it last night in penetrating oil – I might hit sears hardware for a new ratchet, I need more leverage (even if it’s a pipe).  Thanks again .

I am glad these worked,,haven't seen them actually work..I have the sockets that have actual teeth in them that cut into the nut or bolt head, they are meant for exhaust work..I know Sears sells them but they do not warranty them if they strip off the teeth..they were the only  Sears tools I had..glad this type worked..did you use an air gun or by hand..some need the impact to really grab right..sounds like you are going to town on this thing!  oh and look for a ratchet that has a pivoting head or maybe a bent handle style..they do save the knuckles when the bolts finally break loose..and you can get into tighter places to apply that needed leverage..maybe a fine tooth also..and the list goes on!  Next thing you know you will have a truck pulled up to the house every week!

I had picked up the breaker bars in all sizes at Sears hardware.  The 1/4 was a touch of a waste since it was only a couple inches longer than my regular - but I guess its good not to destroy the gears in the ratchet. 

i keep a small stilson plumbing wrench very handy. the hard you apply pressure,the more it grips.

also a 30'' breaker bar 1/2'' drive,use it with inpact sockets or you can split sockets

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