Over the last 10 years or so I've been lurking Toyota sites on da'Web I've seen several posts about solving this problem. Thing is, I've only seen conjecture and great advice, but nothing from somebody that has actually done it. Sooo,
My front crank seal gave out just in time for CM2008. The bolt was slightly rounded and I tried and tried to be careful to get the sucker off without damage. NOT! Taking a clue from several posts I decided to weld on a socket to the bolt. As you can see from the pic the bolt has a very broad shoulder which made it fairly easy.
First attempt I used a 3/4" deep impact socket I had lying around. I didn't notice it was 3/8" drive until I tried to move it. Didn't matter. The welds didn't hold.
Second attempt involved a trip to Sears. I bought a standard length 19mm, 1/2" drive impact socket. This one I welded on real good - or as least as good as I could lying on my back.
Result? SCHAZAM! It took a lot of pull, but it did come off.
