OK... 1996 F-150 2WD, 6-cyl, std trans, one-piece driveshaft. Crawled underneath with box-end wrenches, expecting to unbolt the u-joint flange from the rearend flange, but when applying wrenches & sockets to the 4 bolts, my wrenches & sockets fail to fit the bolts properly. The bolts seem to be possibly 12-point bolts, maybe even Torx, and defy my every attempt at removal. Are these bolts factory-original, and if so, where can I find a wrench or socket to fit them? I even went to AutoZone and bought a set of special sockets made to remove rounded bolts, but even they fail to grip and remove these bolts. Thanks for any insight to my dilema!

 

Im not sure of the size but a 12 point socket has always worked for me, just make sure its a new one from a good company. no cheap wally world specials.

 

Use a 12mm 12-point socket or box-end wrench. Snap-On makes a special impact socket to fit those, but you don't really need that. You will need SOMETHING that can put at least 100 lb-ft of torque on them, though. They're torqued to ~80 and they have threadlocker.

 

i had to unbolt my driveshaft to replace my transfer case rear seal. i used a craftsman 12 point socket and ratchet as well as 18 inch piece of steel pipe. those things were on there tight.