How do I remove the Traction-Loc?

[RangerJim]

I'm sure I can't be the only one faced with this predicament. My 8.8
Ford Traction-Loc is worn so I removed the rear cover. Step 1 in my
manual says to remove the pinion shaft retaining bolt so the pinion
shaft can be slid out. I put a 8 mm socket on it and turned. After
several turns it was out and I noticed that the bolt had fractured and
the part that came out was only 3/8 inch long. The remainder of the
bolt is still threaded in the housing and holding the shaft in place.
It will not turn with a screwdriver stuck down inside. Now what?
There appears no clearance for a drill so I could use an easy-out. Is
there any way to remove the C-clips on the ends of the axle shafts
with the pinion shaft in place? Would it help to cut the S-spring
with a mototool?
I'm stuck! Thanks for any ideas.
Jim

 

[Hahnsb2]

Im afraid unless you can remove that bolt, theres no way to remove the carrier...What about possibly drilling or torching the crosspin out? I have no idea if it would work, its just a thought...

 

[rickcdewitt]

i pulled off the carrier caps on mine and pried out the carrier as far as i could.then i used a small angle drill.

 

[McDerry]

You can drive the cross pin out with a hammer and a punch.

 

[Todd]

I have always thought that would work. Just bash the damn thing hard enough to shear that bolt.

 

[MAKG]

I've wondered that as well. Broken cross-pin bolts are not rare at all.

I take it you pound it out toward where the head used to be?

Then of course drill and tap the next size (once the carrier is removed), and then this problem isn't going to happen again.

 

[Bent Bolt]

You can drive the cross pin out with a hammer and a punch.

Thats about all you can do. The retaining pin will shear if you smack the cross pin hard enough. Just don't miss and damage the carrier.

It totally sucks when that pin breaks in the carrier. Seen it and had it happen to me too many times.