[novatech]

Just bought a used 8.5 10 bolt out of a 75 nova for my 70 nova. I was taking it apart to inspect everything when trouble hit. You know the pin that goes through the carrier and two of the side gears, well the bolt that holds that pin in place broke. It snapped in half. What is the easyest way to get the rest of the bolt out? Should I just use an easy out? What size do you think? Thanks for the help in advance.

[Jason]

usually the bolt breaks because of lack of oil to the spider gears and cross pin, the pin will want to spin with the gears and shear the bolt off. You're probably going to end up beating the pin out, hope it hasn't welded itself to the spider gears.
You need to hammer the pin in about 3/4 inch, then rotate the carrier and finish removing the pin by pulling it. Don't drive the pin out too far toward the pinion gear, it'll get stuck.

[hrracecar]

This is a very common problem on GM rears. The problem with an ez out is that you do not have enough room to get a drill into the pin. It can be done though. Go to an industrial supply store and buy a 8" long 1/8" drill bit and a 5/16" allen head bolt about 1/2" long. Use a normal drill to drill a 1/8" hole through the center of the allen head bolt. Screw the bolt into the carrier where you removed the part of your pin that came out. The hole in the new bolt will act as a guide for the long drill bit. The length of the drill bit will allow you to move the drill motor away from the center of the rear, giving you room to work. This broken pin will drill very easy. Then remove the guide bolt and tap the EZ out into the hole you drilled. This broken pin usually comes out very easily at this point. Sounds like a lot of work but it is easy and keeps you from having to beat the pin out which will ruin your carrier. Good luck...Toni