I'm having a hard time getting the drive shafts removed to do a SYE install. I can't get the bolts for the front drive shaft at the transfer case or the rear at the axle to break loose. Does anyone have any tips or trick for this? They aren't rusted but I can barely get a tiny wrench over them. Mine are 5/16th size. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

The bolts are retained with thread locker. Heating up the metal that the bolts actually thread into will help in two ways... It's not uncommon for it to be "red loctite", whether pre-applied or liquid, but as you may, or may not, know, if it's "red loctite", you're NOT getting them out without heat to break down the thread locker...

 

I agree with heat

Use a 6 point wrench or socket if at all possible, you really dont want to strip them

do the front one first, jack the front wheels if needed for better access, the rears can be rotated once the fronts are disconnected

heat from a butane torch is fine

 

Thanks for the tips! I'm kinda slow but I think I have learned between the upper control arms and now the drive shafts that on an XJ the answer is to apply heat.

Got them off. Not sure if it was the heat or my front driveshaft u-joints were already shot but they're toast so that's a bummer.

 

They may also be 8mm bolts...make sure its a good tight fit so you don't strip the heads

 

You shouldn't have to do the front, it is a slip shaft once you take the back off just slide the drive shaft out of the TC. If you installing a SYE it will be a different shaft anyway. Mine are 8mm as well.