10 bolt differential bolts

[skelly1]

My son's truck started making noise in the rear end so I pulled the cover to investigate. The left side bearing cap bolts were loose, one is tweaked. I have been trying to find a part number but can't seem to and parts stores guys looked at me cross-eyed. It's a 98 K model half ton. Anybody know the part number? 7/16" bolt. Thanks.

 

[diesel4me]

Dealer or salvage yard is probably the only 2 places that will have,or can get one of those bolts...
I doubt its a typical grade 8 one,it probably has a special shoulder & length I would assume..
Better inspect the axle housing real good--if it "tweaked" a bolt there is a good chance the casting is cracked or wounded--in that case a complete rear axle swap would be the cheaper and easier way out..

 

[skelly1]

Dealer or salvage yard is probably the only 2 places that will have,or can get one of those bolts...
I doubt its a typical grade 8 one,it probably has a special shoulder & length I would assume..
Better inspect the axle housing real good--if it "tweaked" a bolt there is a good chance the casting is cracked or wounded--in that case a complete rear axle swap would be the cheaper and easier way out..

I was afraid of that. I will try the salvage yard tomorrow. Kid gets his license on Wednesday so I guess I will be doing a weekday repair after my day job.

I checked the housing and it looks fine to me. Both bolts were loose but hadn't fallen out yet. I hope I caught it in time. I can handle an axle swap if needed.

 

[kennyw]

I would start looking for another axle ASAP. There is not anything good that comes from those bolts coming loose.

 

[skelly1]

I would start looking for another axle ASAP. There is not anything good that comes from those bolts coming loose.

Yep starting to look. Anybody got a 10 bolt with 3:73 gears near San Diego?

 

[blazinzuk]

I have replaced at least 4 of these with a grade 8 bolt. Thats all it really is. I would replace mine if needed with your basic boring grade 8 bolt. In fact on a couple of axles I have taken to replacing the carrier cap bolts. Never seen one that was marked a higher grade than 8 on a non metric

 

[Stomis]

I have replaced at least 4 of these with a grade 8 bolt. Thats all it really is. I would replace mine if needed with your basic boring grade 8 bolt. In fact on a couple of axles I have taken to replacing the carrier cap bolts. Never seen one that was marked a higher grade than 8 on a non metric

Indeed. Shove a grade 8 in it the correct length and call it a day. As to the damage that will have caused from the carrier walking, tha6s a different story.