I have a Stuart Taylor front drive flange which is tapped for four M8x20 bolts to connect it to the propshaft. What bolts, i.e. grade and type, should I use for this application? Also, any ideas what torque I need on these. I'm thinking I should go with socket bolts at grade 12.9 but on such a small bolt I don't want to overtighten and risk breaking the bolt. I've got all new bolts from Ford for the diff flange, driveshafts and brake caliper mountings and can use their torque specs, but upfront scares me a little!

Steve

I just used standard 8.8 with locknuts, torqued up till they wouldn't tighten any more!

If it's wrong please somebody let me know....

No problem Jasper as long as they're bolts and not set screws and have a locking device of some sort eg: nylocks. Off the top of my head I think they are 40 or 50mm long but it depends which engine you are putting in?

Did the same jasper. Torque setting = FT

I assume you have a different flange to me because there is no room for nuts on the back of mine and also why tap it for M8 if you're fitting nuts.

Anywhy, I saw in the XR4x4 Haynes manual that Ford use Torx bolts on the front prop where it fixes to the final drive flange. I spoke to my local Foad dealer today and these bolts are M8x16 Torx head, class 12.9. They are torqued to 42 to 49 ibf ft. So I shall use these with threadlock. Total cost £1.88 and my peace of mind.

Steve

Ah yes, I have an MK £50 drive flange, not threaded. ST will know what to fit in them, it's their flange after all.