Snapped Transfer Case Skid Bolts

[myers688]

Hi all, hoping to gain some insight. Today I changed my transfer case fluid which requires removing the transfer case skid plate. All went well except when I put the skid plate back on and went to torque the bolts/nuts to spec, one of the smaller nuts snapped off. I’m not too worried as the skid plate isn’t a critical structural component and there are still 5 of 6 bolts (including one nut) holding it on, however I am curious if this has happened to anyone before. My torque wrench worked fine torquing the four bolts to spec (55 lb ft) but for both of the two nuts it never “clicked” and one of those is what ended up snapping off. Let me know if you have any insight as to why this could have happened or if you have had the same issue. Thanks in advance!

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[Rhinebeck01]

@myers688

I do lots of diff & transfer case fluid changes each year. ...on my own JL and on JL's, JT's and JK's whose owner's pay me to do the deed for them.

With the issue you experienced, in mind,(It happens) I do not pull the skid plate. I can do the deed without pulling the skid plate, without making a mess and in less time..

See the pic below....You place this between the drain hole and the skid plate.... you pull the plug and the fluid runs along it, and then into the drain pan. Again. no big mess on the skid plate and no pulling the skid plate.

This is an aluminum foil pan you get at the dollar store, etc.. You just cut the shape and fold up the edges. It's about say 16" long and about 4-5 inches wide. Easily cleaned when you get done so you have for next time...

 

[myers688]

Thanks! I’ll give this a try next time.

I am more so concerned that there is something wrong with my torque wrench and it could happen again. Or is it possible I found the wrong torque spec? I cross referenced three different sites and they all said 48 lb ft.

Can anyone confirm that is the right torque?

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Thanks! I’ll give this a try next time.

I am more so concerned that there is something wrong with my torque wrench and it could happen again. Or is it possible I found the wrong torque spec? I cross referenced three different sites and they all said 48 lb ft.

Can anyone confirm that is the right torque?

I'd read:

Transfer case skid plate bolts

75

55

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[Cgolds]

This happened to me, I snapped the skid plate nut that goes to the gas tank skid. I think 48ft pounds is too much for that small nut. I should have listened to my inner monologue saying “don’t torque that to the specs it looks too weak for that value”.

 

[Grimlock_JLU]

Hi all, hoping to gain some insight. Today I changed my transfer case fluid which requires removing the transfer case skid plate. All went well except when I put the skid plate back on and went to torque the bolts/nuts to spec, one of the smaller nuts snapped off. I’m not too worried as the skid plate isn’t a critical structural component and there are still 5 of 6 bolts (including one nut) holding it on, however I am curious if this has happened to anyone before. My torque wrench worked fine torquing the four bolts to spec (55 lb ft) but for both of the two nuts it never “clicked” and one of those is what ended up snapping off. Let me know if you have any insight as to why this could have happened or if you have had the same issue. Thanks in advance!

I know this thread is old but… Just happened to me today. Does anyone know by chance the part number for the bolts or studs? Or at least the size?

 

[dillonm197]

This happened to me as well. Does anyone have recommendations on how to repair/replace the studs? Is there a part number for the studs themselves?

 

[BrandNewIn2022]

I also think he 48 ft-lb torque spec for the skid plate nuts is incorrect or has been misunderstood. The studs are M8 (comparing to a bolt I had on hand). According to the attached chart, I believe the appropriate torque spec should be 18-25 ft-lb, depending on coarse versus fine thread, and assuming grade 8 or 10.9. I initially tried torquing to 48 ft-lb but stopped at 30 ft-lb, feeling the stud was stretching and fearing it would snap. I found this chart, and re-torqued to 22 ft-lb and called it good. Note: I don't know what grade the stud is for sure, but the HIGHEST max torque value on the chart for M8 is 33 ft-lb.

I think perhaps the factory torque spec is being misunderstood. I saw skid plate bolts listed at 55/48 ft-lb. That may mean dry 55 ft-lb and lubricated 48 ft-lb as I have seen torque values spec'd that way on other charts. I have not seen an exact spec for skid plate nuts. Hopefully this post helps others avoid breaking their skid plate studs.

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