rear differential end yoke replacement

[Tgaff08]

when trying to replace the u-joint in my '98 Tahoe 2 of the bolts holding the straps broke off in the end yoke and we can't seem to drill them out or get into them using a backout bit. Can I simply remove the pinion nut and the end yoke so that i can drill out to broken bolts easier or just replace the end yoke? Is there anything special I need to know before removing the pinion nut or anything that I will need to do other than just removing the pinion nut and replace the end yoke?

Thanks

http://www.film.queensu.ca/cj3b/Photos/Parts/RearAxleExploded.JPG

 

[retorq]

Ouch!!

Technically ANY time the pinion nut is removed you are supposed to reset pinion bearing preload. The only way to do that properly is with a new crush sleeve which gets into a whole shitstorm of work. You can remove that nut, replace the yoke, mind as well do the seal while you are there, replace it and tension it to what it felt like before. You are supposed to use a new pinion nut too ... if you have some way of marking the pinion nut position on the threads you should be able to get it close to what it is now.

 

[99COOP]

^ what he said, not fun.

 

[YUKONJOHN88]

ive pulled them off many times b4 an never had any problems when i put it back on. i always change the pinion seal when i do it. they are cheap an easy to do

 

[crmzendrgone]

what they all said and if you have a die grinder cut a little into the pinion and the nut then tighten that beach back to where the cuts line up and you'll be good.