Transfer case to drive shaft bolts backed out.

[jefferzbooboo]

I was going down the road and got a bad drive train vibration. I pulled over and climbed under the truck and 3 bolts that hold the front of the driveshaft to the transfer case where backed off about half way and one was missing. I tightened the 3 up and limped it home.
The motor runs smooth and revs fine without vibration. When it first happened I pushed in the clutch and it still vibrated.
I'm assuming I forgot to tighten them when I did the clutch about a year ago. Is there anything else that would cause this?
Also, does anyone else know if they're the same bolts as an 8.8? I'll have new ones in the mail tomorrow but I kind of need the pickup and have a couple pickups with 8.8's lying around.

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, Ford has used those bolts on everything RWD for a very long time. The drive shaft bolts used on the early Rangers are the same ones being used on new F-150s.

You probably had the bolts tight, especially if it's been a year but drive shaft bolts backing out is not uncommon by any stretch. I have it happen on my own vehicles once or twice a decade. They are subjected to a lot of vibration. You should always put loctite on when reusing them. The new ones should have something on them already.

 

[gw33gp]

That's my thoughts too. They were probably reused without Loctite.

 

[jefferzbooboo]

Yeah, Ford has used those bolts on everything RWD for a very long time. The drive shaft bolts used on the early Rangers are the same ones being used on new F-150s.

You probably had the bolts tight, especially if it's been a year but drive shaft bolts backing out is not uncommon by any stretch. I have it happen on my own vehicles once or twice a decade. They are subjected to a lot of vibration. You should always put loctite on when reusing them. The new ones should have something on them already.

Thanks for all the info, it's much appreciated. Does it matter which color of loctite I use?

 

[jefferzbooboo]

That's my thoughts too. They were probably reused without Loctite.

I know I didn't use loctite when I put it back together and odds are I used a wire wheel to clean them up.
Does the rear ones need loctite also?
My sister works at a dealership so I get an employee discount on parts but they still wanted $8 a bolt. I pulled some out of an 8.8 and plan on using those, with loctite of course. It looks like it took out the seal on the transfer case also.

 

[black_demon69]

Thanks for all the info, it's much appreciated. Does it matter which color of loctite I use?

for drive train i like the red high strength loctite myself

 

[adsm08]

I just use blue because that's usually what I have around. Red works well too.

 

[jefferzbooboo]

Seal's done and I'm waiting for the Loctite to cure. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[enjr44]

The only problem with "Red" thread locker is you will probably have to use heat to take it apart.

 

[black_demon69]

The only problem with "Red" thread locker is you will probably have to use heat to take it apart.

or just be a manly man...

i have always been able to get it loose without heat personally

 

[enjr44]

Manly or not, it depends on the thread pitch and the grade of the bolt.