Safest repair - partially stripped front diff mount hole

[Huw]

Hi all,

In changing diff strap and mount noticed that 2 of the bolt holes for the front diff cross member partially stripped. 

Passenger far side is worst but passenger inner is not 100 either.  Neither will torque down fully.  

Hasn't been apart (by me) since restored in '06 as a uni student - so may be one of the many crimes of inexperience. Or I can say it was the PO who installed the blue shag felt over the vinyl....(long gone!)

I believe it goes straight to body rather than to a captive nut. 

So the decision is:

- drill out and tap one bigger;

- helicoil (M10,1.25), 

Erring on the helicoil route but welcome any views from those with more knowledge than me. 

Don't think the loctite and hope is a good option! 

Photo pinched off another forum illustrates location. View on that one was 'timesert'(??)

 

[GregTas]

Two on my car had been stripped at some time and were tapped out to 7/16 UNF. Yes it's not metric, but if you went out to M12 there might not be much metal left if it is a nut above.

Edited November 28, 2020 by GregTas

[C.A.R.]

Helicoil.

[Huw]

9 hours ago, C.A.F. said:

Helicoil.

Thanks, that was the conclusion I reached as well with a bit more reading.

One up leaves an odd bolt. 

Time-sert appears to be an easier install but doesn't really offer any structural advantage to a helicoil (despite the marketing). 

Familiar with helicoil so that will be the go. 

H