front u-bolts

1976 CJ5, 304, front driveshaft u-bolt problem: We would like to replace the front driveshaft's u-joints where there is a lot of slop and failure of the rear joint, especially, is at hand. Has anyone found a way to get to the u-bolt nuts next to the transfer case without dropping the skid plate under the transfer case. They are too close for a socket to fit it would seem and rusted too solid to turn using a box-end wrench. Of course if the skid plate were out of there we could turn our hand to get the most torque and probably do the job. Thanks!

 

Just drop the crossmember less trouble in the long run.

 

If you dremel the u-bolt up close to the yolk can you shove the leftover pieces out the other side? The dremel with fiber reenforced cutoff wheel is best tool in the toolbox.

 

i think you can get it throught the access hole above the tranny