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Differential flange-to-propeller shaft bolts

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by E8USN, Sep 26, 2021.

  1. Sep 26, 2021 at 12:55 PM
    #1
    E8USN

    E8USN [OP] Member

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    2016 4WD double cab. 40K miles. Decided to grease the slip yoke today. When removing the propeller shaft, I was able to break the nuts loose on the diff flange and finagle the shaft off the bolts and out then ultimately back in the same fashion, but it would have been much easier if I could have removed the 14mm bolts (instead of just the nuts) installed from the rear of the flange. These 4 bolts seemed as if they were pressed into the flange, or somehow tack welded in place....they would neither turn nor budge fore/aft. I did not want to damage these bolts or the flange itself, so I did not get very aggressive in trying to remove them, only tried a 14mm wrench, some PB Blaster and a couple of light hammer taps for encouragement, all to no avail.

    Does anyone know if these bolts are designed to be removed so I will feel confident in being a bit more aggressive at removing them the next time I undertake this task?
     
    brandon78lusch likes this.
  2. Sep 26, 2021 at 5:59 PM
    #2
    JoeCOVA

    JoeCOVA Well-Known Member

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    I’ve replaced my drive shaft 3 times. No reason to do anything other than remove the nuts.
     
  3. Sep 27, 2021 at 8:51 AM
    #3
    E8USN

    E8USN [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the reply. Maybe I need to refine my technique or use jack stands next time to support the drive shaft. Just had a bear of a time holding the drive shaft in position (like a cat on his back with a ball of twine) while also pushing forward to compress the slip yoke boot enough to slide the rear shaft yoke over those diff flange bolts. The 1.5 inches of clearance gained by potentially removing those bolts would seem to make a big difference when working alone on my back in the driveway.
     
  4. Sep 27, 2021 at 9:01 AM
    #4
    JoeCOVA

    JoeCOVA Well-Known Member

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    Ya it’s a pain but after doing it a couple times I kind of got the hang of it. I think I initially took a couple hammer hits to them and didn’t want to mess up the threads. Not sure if they are press fit or stubborn. In either case the bolts I don’t think can be completely removed as they back into the pinion dust cover.
     
  5. Oct 20, 2021 at 8:42 AM
    #5
    E8USN

    E8USN [OP] Member

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    The are indeed pressed in at the factory. This is from the front flange, but I am sure the rear is the same, but may not come all the way out as the front did because of the pinion dust cover as stated by the last poster. Hopefully I can reinstall this one without any issues.

    Front bolt is 17mm vs 14mm so I was confident in applying more torque to remove. It was indeed pressed in at the factory. To remove, I did the following:

    1. Soaked overnight with PB blaster. (probably unnecessary knowing now that it was pressed in)
    2. Removed the nut with 14mm combo wrench
    3. Lightly tap-tapped bolt on flats with tack hammer and small punch
    4. Lightly tapped the bolt on the thread end (using a small punch and tack hammer) being careful not to contact threads
    5. Loosened with 17mm box wrench using a 3/4 combination wrench hooked on as an extension

    upload_2021-10-20_10-36-29.jpg
     
    JoeCOVA likes this.

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