[flintknapper]

Trying to put new a new ring and pinion in my 8.8 today, all is going well until I go to remove the cross shaft retaining pin/bolt.

Naturally, it twists off leaving about one or two threads in the bottom. So everything comes to a screeching halt!

Wanting to make certain there were some threads left...I ever so gently tap the pin/bolt with a punch. Well...CRAP that is just enough to shear the the last thread (or two) and drive the remaining part into the very bottom of the bore.

Hopefully Napa with stock the Fabbi-Assoc. removal tool so I don't have to wait days and days to get one.

Even then...with the remaining portion of thread (albeit damaged) it is going to take a small miracle to get it drilled (without it spinning) and then get an extractor on it.

Assuming that happens (yeah right), nothing short of a complete alignment of the heavens is going to let me back that thing out and hit the threads of the carrier.

Sheeeesh!!!!!!!

Wouldn't you think Ford could make the retaining pin/bolt out of something harder than "pot metal" so this doesn't happen. Someone at Ford needs to be kicked in the nuts.