Trying to change u joints.. stripped the bolts on the differential pinion flange, tried using those Irwin bolt extractors that look like sockets and stripped them even more.

 

I think I'm screwed.

 

Get the driveshaft off by disassembling the u-joint on the truck. If you can't grind the heads off the bolts then you can pull the pinion flange.

 

I didn't think I could get the u joints out with the driveshaft being connected?

 

After grinding the heads off the bolts I would be able to shift everything forward a bit to get past the threads and drop the drive shaft? Then drill the threads out re thread for a bigger bolt and re install?

 

I had trouble getting out those bolts when I pulled my driveshaft out of a junkyard truck. Faster was to disassemble the u-joint, so I know it can be done.

 

So... just take the retaining clips out and beat on one end till I can't beat no more? I don't see how the u joint would break free with both sides being stationary?

 

Well with both yokes being stationary?

 

You can bet that it will........how many have you seen laying on the road? If worse comes to worse, put the back end on jack stands, put a heavy chain over the drive shaft so that it doesn't fly up and damage the tank or anything else and put her in gear, give it some gas and see if it will break lose.

Edit..............do this after you've taken the c-clips out!

 

Could I take a screwdriver and try to POP all 4 caps out?