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Diff Bolts very hard to get out.

Messages
19
Reactions
7
Points
2
Location
Williams Lake, British Columbia
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#1
Hey everyone, got around to doing my trans bushing which went as smooth as could be, I have the JXB diff inserts for my 2020 and HSF upgraded bolts to go in, I figured it would be a walk in the park but I guess not. Took the weight off the diff with a jack, my 24” bar and I couldn’t break the bolt free, my impact can’t break the bolt free. I know it’s only 150 ft/lbs but is this common? I’ve been sparringly launching my car until I get the rear end stiffened up here. I want to see my 3.8 0-60 get to a 3.5.
Thanks!
 

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Location
Houston, TX, USA
#2
What do you mean you took the weight off with a jack? It’s not load bearing….theres no weight on it.
 

OP
J
Messages
19
Reactions
7
Points
2
Location
Williams Lake, British Columbia
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #3
At first just tried to back the bolts out, nothing, won’t budge. Then I’ve seen some people just support the diff slightly to unload the bolt which I did think was strange myself, but some did do it so I figured I’d try. No change. I don’t feel like breaking the bolt today since I have a big road trip tomorrow, was just curious if this is somewhat common and if there is anything I can do to get the bolts out. Usually I’d use heat but obviously not here
 

Messages
161
Reactions
61
Points
27
Location
Nevada
Vehicle
2025 ST
#4
At first just tried to back the bolts out, nothing, won’t budge. Then I’ve seen some people just support the diff slightly to unload the bolt which I did think was strange myself, but some did do it so I figured I’d try. No change. I don’t feel like breaking the bolt today since I have a big road trip tomorrow, was just curious if this is somewhat common and if there is anything I can do to get the bolts out. Usually I’d use heat but obviously not here
Have you tried to tighten it before trying to loosen it? That occasionally helps. You can also try and tap the head of the bolt with a hammer to try and break the seal/corrosion/material preventing the bolt from moving. Spray penetrating oil under the bolt head overnight for S&Gs as well.
 

OP
J
Messages
19
Reactions
7
Points
2
Location
Williams Lake, British Columbia
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #5
Have you tried to tighten it before trying to loosen it? That occasionally helps. You can also try and tap the head of the bolt with a hammer to try and break the seal/corrosion/material preventing the bolt from moving. Spray penetrating oil under the bolt head overnight for S&Gs as well.
I sure did try that yes, and I tried to get some penetrating oil in there, but have a road trip tomorrow, so I won’t be able to get this done for about 4000 miles unfortunately, I won’t be beating on it for all that time though!
 

Messages
161
Reactions
61
Points
27
Location
Nevada
Vehicle
2025 ST
#6
I sure did try that yes, and I tried to get some penetrating oil in there, but have a road trip tomorrow, so I won’t be able to get this done for about 4000 miles unfortunately, I won’t be beating on it for all that time though!
Right there with you, been waiting months for a diff brace to get manufactured.
 



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