It was in there as tight as could be (no way was it the prescribed 20 ft/lbs). I cranked on it and it finally freed up and screwed out.. Only for me to find out half of it was still in the hole!

Anyone have any tips to get this sucker out? I'm hoping not to have to remove the whole read axle out of the car.. it's a 'PP' code axle (3.23 posi). Thanks

 

That is a tough position to be in. If the threaded portion of the bolt remains in the carrier you will have to drill it out regardless. I would cut the pin out with an oxy-acetylene torch. You will have to cut it in far enough to expose the keeper bolt then cut the bolt off. The very worst that could happen is that it will require a replacement carrier. It would not be difficult for someone accomplished with a torch. good luck

 

I think the diff design allows force from a wheel hitting a curb to be sent down the axle to the cross pin, breaking the bolt; just my theory. Anyway, read my post here:

http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/Forum12/HTML/004478.html

 

Crap - looks like I've got some work ahead of me.... I'll try that JB weld thing if the magnet dosent work! DAMIT!

 

All of the threads on the lock bolt are contained in the carrier. If you had to exert a lot of torque on the bolt to remove it chances are you broke the bolt outside of the threads. If you have all of the threaded portion of the lock bolt you may be able to use a magnet. If you have a picture of the removed bolt we could perhaps tell. I have taken apart many rear axles and only seen one other lock bolt broken. That caused the pinion shaft to lock the rear axle when it slipped out of position. That was a mess!

 

click here to see the pic of the bolt..


I think there still may be some threads left in the differential housing.. I'm hoping not.. but by the looks of the bolt I'm not counting on it.. how long is the overall bolt? or better yet how long is the threaded part of the bolt? I could measure what I have to find out how much is in there...

 

It would appear that you have all the threaded portion. Try drilling the remaining portion of the bolt. If it spins you will not be able to drill it but then it may be loose enough to remove with a magnet. It may not be too bad. If you can drill it, use an easy-out to remove the remaining portion. good luck

 

It is gonna be hard to drill that bolt without damaging the threads in the carrier, let alone getting the drill in the correct postion to drill the broken bolt straight. My brother had this happen to him on his 81 Z28 so I die grinded the pin at the end where the stud was till I could push the pin out of the carrier. I then was able to turn the rest of the broken bolt out as You will find there will probably be one thread on the end of it just enough to not let it fall out. So I just bought a new pin and bolt and it was all fixed. All I can say is Good luck.

 

Got it out.. suprisingly fast..

I heated up the bolt and carrier with a propane torch for a little while, then I took a pick and spun the remaining portion of the bolt out.. went it got out of the threads I used a magnet to pull it from the housing.. I guess the propane melted whatever gunk was holding it in place.. BTW: the car hadn't moved for a few years.. I had it mothballed..

 

Wow, that's the first time I've heard of one of those coming out without a fight. congrats.

 

I am happy to hear that you got that out!!! Now, on to the next surprise! good luck