Spindle bolt stripped! What to do??

[hollowch]

Looks like one of the 6 spindle bolts was all jacked up and I had to strip the female threads on the steering knuckle to get it out. The stock size bolt just slides through it and will not grip when I try to tighten. I got the other 5 torqued down no problem but its just that one that won't go. Is it a really big deal? Would I be fine with just 5 or should I go find a size up bolt, drill that one spindle hole a little bigger, and tap the female fitting on the steering knuckle to fit it?


Unrelated Question: What type of grease goes on the axle splines??

 

[treihesse]

put a longer bolt with a nut or get a new knuckle.... I would NOT drill out a spindle. Axle grease for packing bearings (look on the tub and it will say good for ford stuff its wied but some say that)

 

[Oatmeal]

Replace them all with studs and nuts.......go to the local boneyard and pull them off of a Chevy D44 (or Dodge, FS Jeep......)--------Hans

 

[73stallion]

i'd use a threaded insert in that hole. a heli-coil.

 

[Boss351]

3/8 bolt and lock nut no big deal DONE

 

[BwoncoHowie]

If the hole is not too hogged out, a Heli-Coil or a Time-sert will fix those threads if you are good with a drill and tap. You can restore the threads back to the same size and pitch. ~BH~

 

[Broncobowsher]

Not that I recomend it...
The last Bronco I picked up a D44 that had all the spindle holes chewed up. Don't know the history, didn't really care. Tapped the holes out for bolts a size up (7/16?), drilled the spindles to match, used some grade 8 bolts and lock washer, flogged on it and never had a hint of any issues.

 

[Broncoman]

This is really funny. I have one spindle bolt hole that is screwed up. I am going to get a heli-coil for it. So I am in the same boat.

 

[treihesse]

i would do what oatmeal said or put a bolt lock washer and a crush nut on it. I would trust a heli-coil on a engine but on a spindle no way thats my life....