Exploding (not) transfer case flange nut
 

:soap:

Hasn't exploded but I wish it did. I've been fighting this dang output flange nut for 3 days. I'm trying to install a transfer case e-brake. It's supposed to be easy peasy. Well, not to much. I have 4L, and hubs locked. 30mm socket and a 3 feet lever on the wrench. The whole motor twists but the nut clings on, doesn't even budge. I just borrowed an electric (small) impact wrench but didn't work either.

Next steps in line :

• Borrow an air compressor and hydraulic high impact wrench
• Blow torch
• Drive to a shop and beat it out

I've searched the threads and found several other horror stories. I just can't believe it would take such effort to remove. Videos on YouTube make it look easy. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

Here is a Pic of the nut who must not be named
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...42674d3248.jpg

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I'm not sure what all that red goo in there is... Is that RTV? Anyhow if I were you, I'd go to HF and but an electric impact, it's only like $35, and it will do the job.

Red goo is grease. I tried a 3/8" impact wrench yesterday. Didn't budge. My next step is to get a large high impact hydraulic impact wrench. Maybe a loaner from somewhere?

Hydraulic? A good 1/2 inch pneumatic impact (not cheap no name stuff) should take of ANY nut or bolt on your rig or just plain break bolts and studs on rusted stuff. It won't break your output shaft, but it can round off the nut.

3/8's? tiny

i have had one of these for 10+ years that the kids got me for fathers day. it is beat to crap but It has never failed me
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-...nch-68099.html
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...f6d5f175b8.jpg

Thanks guys. I'm going to head over to HF today and get one. I'm actually thinking about getting a pneumatic and renting the air compressor but seems like a waste. Im living in fear of this nut. It haunts me during my sleep.

The shaft has a groove the nut gets staked into, you can see this just to the right of bottom center in the photo and that it hasn't been un-staked.

After that if the flange/engine still spins you need to hold the flange, all the flex and clearences in the rest of the power train is not doing you any favors.

So I was not able to get to HF before they closed. Based on the previous reply. I got a nail punch and started chiseling the stake out. I then locked the hubs, 4L and got my cheater bar on. The truck started to want to roll and since the rear is on stands, I decided to pause. I'll try to get my hands on a better impact wrench as previously posted and try my luck tomorrow. Thanks for the recommendations BTW! I'm debating weather to buy an electric 1/2" impact wrench or ask my local shop to lend my a pneumatic and rent a compressor from home depot.

Also, @coryc85 that is red RTV. I cleaned and de-greased the area.

Here is the non exploding nut. Which will haunt me in my sleep once again.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...036940578b.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...581fcf129a.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...1ded30c002.jpg

:shocked:
Going to haunt me too now.

PS. Lefty Lucy

Lucy doesn't seem to hang out around my place :dunno:

I ordered some spares to replace the hand sculpted non exploding flange nut. This is the one my cousin has which doesn't do jack squat. Not even good for a joke.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-Cordless-Lithium-Ion-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-with-1-1-3-Ah-Battery-and-Charger-P1870/205336113&ved=2ahUKEwiz2peo4v_cAhUNQK0KHeBSA7oQFjA BegQIBxAB&usg=AOvVaw3OeB4sDI1hKNp4qZEYg4Sc

I have the same impact that drop zone posted, and that thing will become your new best friend. I've never had a nut that it couldn't break free, staked or not. Obviously the rtv is fighting you as well. Scrape some of that out of there so your socket can seat down onto nut all the way.

Lucy stopped by the house today and even sang a song.

I stopped by HF after work and got the impact wrench previously posted. Worked like a charm. The nut clinged on for a few seconds but eventually gave in. Here she is.
​​https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...e69eecb048.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...b6bf9ecae1.jpg

It is nice of Lucy to help you out today. :great:

Now you have another tool to add to your collection!

Now on to the fun stuff!

:safari:

Glad that linked helped you out