Differential pinion shaft bolt is stripped

2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE
195,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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RAGINGSOUL
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I have the vehicle listed above LT model. I am trying to replace the rear wheel seals when I ran into this issue. The 8mm rear differential shaft lock bolt is stripped. There is no tag to tell me which differential it is other than 8857 on the casing. 1st question is what are my options to remove this bolt? I been given a couple ideas just looking for a few more. 2nd I want to have the parts in hand before I go through and take it apart again.
It has a 10-bolt differential cover and that is all I can really tell you about it. I have added a picture and a video that I hope will help narrow down the correct replacement bolt. Just looking around I found this one on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-HELP-81048-Differential-Shaft/dp/B000COCXN6/ref=asc_df_B000COCXN6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312050280935&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14620413508862404833&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027331&hvtargid=pla-568652579000&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61716360643&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312050280935&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14620413508862404833&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027331&hvtargid=pla-568652579000
Is this the correct bolt?
So any help or suggestions would be greatly apricated.
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Mar 28, 2021 at 3:43 PM
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STEVE W.
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Do you mean the damage to the head of the bolt? That is normal if you didn't heat the bolt up first, they use red Loctite on them and it takes about 450 degrees of heat to loosen them. Now for the damage, you can try a standard 6 point 5/16 as it's .313 while 8mm is .315 it's not much but it may be tight enough to hold to remove it while it's hot.
Once you have it out you can replace it, they are pretty much a standard item available from any dealer for under 10 bucks. Or apply new red Loctite and screw it back in, they are only torqued to 30 ft lbs. They get locked in with the Loctite. A new one will have Loctite on it.
Mar 28, 2021 at 6:17 PM
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RAGINGSOUL
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Steve your a life saver. Yes the head of the bolt. It was damaged before I attempted to remove it. I tried a couple of ideas I saw on videos but since it is our only vehicle I could not afford to break the blot off and have to deal with that kind of nightmare. when I apply heat with a torch do I apply it where the threads are or on the head of the bolt itself? I would think that the all the gears in the differential would be able to handle that amount of heat without causing any damage. I was taking the "caution side of doing this" till I had a couple more ideas.

Thank you again y'all at 2CarPros are the best and I so appreciate your help for this shade tree mechanic.
Mar 30, 2021 at 4:23 AM
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STEVE W.
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Apply the heat right at the base of the head and into that area of the carrier where the threads are between the cross pin and head. The Loctite runs across most of the threads on the bolt. You won't need to cook the entire thing, just heat that spot. I generally put a socket on the bolt, then heat until the bolt turns, back it out, let things cool, then run a thread chaser or some solvent in to remove the leftover goo.
Mar 30, 2021 at 5:23 AM
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RAGINGSOUL
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That is what I thought just wanted to make sure. One more question could you look at this link and tell me if this is the correct bolt?

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-HELP-81048-Differential-Shaft/dp/B000COCXN6/ref=asc_df_B000COCXN6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312050280935&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14620413508862404833&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027331&hvtargid=pla-568652579000&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61716360643&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312050280935&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14620413508862404833&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027331&hvtargid=pla-568652579000
Mar 30, 2021 at 10:24 AM
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STEVE W.
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That looks like the correct bolt but the OE part is going to be better than a Dorman, but that's your choice. GM only used about 3 bolts in that application over the years.
Mar 30, 2021 at 10:43 AM
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RAGINGSOUL
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Well, I jumped the gun and ordered that Dorman one so yeah. I do agree I try and use OE parts. Thank you so much I greatly appreciate all the help. I have accomplished a lot of auto projects with all of you that answer questions for us shade tree mechanics. I did a lot of mechanics when I was a teen and 20's with muscle cars but that's been 30 years ago. So once again thank you for you time and expertise.
Mar 30, 2021 at 12:14 PM
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STEVE W.
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We were all "open air" mechanics for a while. Please don't hesitate to return with other questions. Thank you for using 2CarPros.
Mar 30, 2021 at 6:12 PM