Front Driveshaft, need special T-40 Tool

[Bernie]

Last week, I started having a small vibration. I thought it was the trans, as I only noticed it in overdrive. Then, It got worse and I figured out what it was: The front drive shaft. While trying to baby it home, the centering ball (I would call it a CV joint, but other disagree) came apart.



I didn't have any Torx bits with me, so I had to call a tow truck. I took the truck to work and took the shaft out (I am now driving a 2 wheel drive truck).



One problem I encountered was getting a torx socket for the front drive shaft connection seated properly. No matter how I approached it I had a little angle with the socket (because of the mass of the socket). As a result, I stripped one of the heads out. Had to drill it out and add an hour to an already long day.



I got the shaft rebuilt by a machine shop locally (about $270, new joints all around, with grease fittings) and new front bolts from the Dodge dealer ($20 for 4).



I want to get a long T-40 socket so I can properly seat the socket in the bolt and not strip one out again. Any suggestions?

 

[Adventure Bob]

Um, call me silly but, why replace a stripped torx with another torx that has the same inherent PIA design? Replace them with real bolts and eliminate the problem.

 

[Bob4x4]

Snap on and Mac both have long bits that make it much easier,I carry one in the ctr console

 

[TWhetten]

Wish I could have suggested this earlier, but when mine went out I got a completely new front driveline from the dealer for $250, could haved saved you a little money, and I had the same problems with the torx bits.

 

[CIverson]

I got a set of long torx that work from harbor freight.



I still stripped one out removing it.





Went down to the hardware store and picked up some 10. 9 flanged head bolts, no more issues.

 

[JJFlash]

Apply some heat with a butane mini-torch and they will come right out. The factory put some decent thread-lock compound on them. Don't forget to re-apply thread lock when you install the new bolts.



Just my . 02

 

[SRadke]

I used a standard length import bit and turned it down in the lathe so it would fit inside the cross.

 

[sag2]

I use Snap-On FTXL40E that is just a little over 4" long. If you turn the shaft correctly you can get a good angle on them. I keep a couple of bolts in my box just in case.