Drive Shaft Removal Problem
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 53
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From: South Carolina
Drive Shaft Removal Problem
I have a 1995 F-150, 4.9L, regular cab, 2wd. I need to replace u joints but the drive shaft is held on by some wierd type of bolt and I can't figure out what socket to use. It seems a 13mm, 12 point socket is the best fit...but not perfect. The head on the bolt has many points like a star head or something. Is this stock or did the owner before me just throw in some funky bolts he had laying around? Thanks for any help and I can post pics if needed.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
Well, somebody replaced mine with a 13mm head bolt; tried a twelve but will not fit. I'll go ahead with the 13mm after some PB oil and see what happens. It is just a weird looking bolt head...
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 292
From: Laramie, WY
Not 12 point socket like you're thinking of. Its a socket that matches that bolt head exactly, and is called a 12 point, and it is indeed a 12mm. Go to a good parts store and ask for one. If they grab a normal 12 point go to a different parts store. The bolt you're talking about is stock. It is not 13mm. It is 12mm.
Like this: http://www.sears.com/grey-pneumatic-...3&blockType=G3
Not that you need a swivel impact socket. I have a 3/8 drive, non-swivel, non-impact, shallow well socket for the drive shaft bolts.
Like this: http://www.sears.com/grey-pneumatic-...3&blockType=G3
Not that you need a swivel impact socket. I have a 3/8 drive, non-swivel, non-impact, shallow well socket for the drive shaft bolts.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 53
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From: South Carolina
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,556
Likes: 43
From: Concord, NC
If they grab a normal 12 point go to a different parts store.
I used standard combination wrenches on the companion flange bolts on my dad's truck when we replaced u-joints. I didn't have to buy any special tools.
A 1/2" would be between a 12mm and 13mm in size, so if you can't get a 12mm to fit and the 13mm is too loose, you can try a 1/2 (12.7mm).
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette, IN
Clean it first (wire brush, etc.). I've found that if a socket doesn't quite fit, sometimes it's because the head of the bolt (or the nut) is slightly deformed. Tap the socket on with a hammer.
Jason
Jason
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
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From: Rhode Island
There is nothing special about Ford drive shaft bolts that makes them any different then any other 12 point bolt. Normal 12 point sockets and wrenches fit perfectly.
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