DSS Driveshaft Install Question

[April15Hater]

Howdy friends,
Installing the DSS FDSH55-C driveshaft this morning and I ran into a little snag. I stripped the head on one of the bolts that secures the mounting the plate to the rear differential. Is there anything special about these bolts (such as weight) or can I just match thread size, bolt length, and head depth and replace all six? Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

Those numbers stamped into the bolt head is the grade markings. Not only does the replacement need to match thread pitch and length, but the grade needs to match as well.

My guess is you will not find an equivalent replacement at Lowes or Home Depot. If you don't have a specialty fastener supply store in your area then you need to contact DSS and tell them what you did and buy another set from them.

 

[April15Hater]

Those numbers stamped into the bolt head is the grade markings. Not only does the replacement need to match thread pitch and length, but the grade needs to match as well.

That’s what I was afraid of... I’m just going to play it safe and order the set from DSS. Looks like she’s gonna be up on jacks until the parts come in Thanks for the advice!

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

Sorry, I didn't plan on bursting your bubble. But I did not want to see you put in an inferior bolt and six months later complain that the expensive driveshaft failed, possibly causing an accident or otherwise damaging your car.

 

[NGOT8R]

That’s what I was afraid of... I’m just going to play it safe and order the set from DSS. Looks like she’s gonna be up on jacks until the parts come in Thanks for the advice!

If memory serves me correctly, those bolts are to be torqued to 41 ft-lbs. In the meantime, you could chase the bolt holes with a thread chaser (not a tap), to get ready for the new bolts, so that they will thread in nice and easy. Use blue loctite too.

 

[April15Hater]

Sorry, I didn't plan on bursting your bubble. But I did not want to see you put in an inferior bolt and six months later complain that the expensive driveshaft failed, possibly causing an accident or otherwise damaging your car.

Definitely a bummer, but way better than the embarrassment of it failing halfway down the track!

 

[drive_55_not]

Nothing special other than it's what's call a low head allen.

Sometimes you can find small socket 10.9 hex head bolts at the chain auto parts stores, those use a 10mm socket, I;m not sure a socket head will sit recessed enough or have a small enough head to fit.

Since you're in Charlotte, Call DSS and they'll likely have new ones. Drive up and get them.

Otherwise check Fastenal, they might get them next day.


.

 

[April15Hater]

If memory serves me correctly, those bolts are to be torqued to 41 ft-lbs. In the meantime, you could chase the bolt holes with a thread chaser (not a tap), to get ready for the new bolts, so that they will thread in nice and easy. Use blue loctite too.

Not a bad idea... the factory bolts definitely weren’t pleasant to get out!

 

[April15Hater]

Nothing special other than it's what's call a low head allen.

Sometimes you can find small socket 10.9 hex head bolts at the chain auto parts stores, those use a 10mm socket, I;m not sure a socket head will sit recessed enough or have a small enough head to fit.

Since you're in Charlotte, Call DSS and they'll likely have new ones. Drive up and get them.

Otherwise check Fastenal, they might get them next day.


.

Had no idea DSS is in Salisbury. They’re closed today, but definitely worth the ride out there!

 

[April15Hater]

Another question guys.... So I finally got the replacement bolt, got it on, and I’m up to installing the driveshaft itself. I go to dry fit it and the cap came off on the differential side- looks like grease and bearings inside. Is this cap meant to come off? Is it still safe to install or is there anything I should be cautious of? I hope I can still install, there’s no way I’m getting up to Salisbury on the bike with that big @$$ driveshaft!

 

[April15Hater]

 

[I Bleed Ford Blue]

Just stick it back on and make sure the bolt holes line up, then bolt on your driveshaft.

 

[April15Hater]

Thanks for the help! She got on there fine. I will say that it’s a lot easier with a second set of hands, especially where it bolts up to the tranny plate and you can barely get the Allen key in there! Just needs that wiggle wiggle so you can hand turn the bolts.

Now I get to deal with the vibration at 45-55 Might get under it and try to clock it later today. At least I know if the shaft is not balanced, DSS isn’t that far away.

Sponsored