engine and drivetrain do i need new drive train nuts?

[Guest Anonymous]

dear 2002 FAQ forum,

i am in the process of swapping my 1976 2002 auto transmission. in the process, i have taken the driveshaft out. i have read that i should replace all locking nuts with new ones. i suppose this would include the 4 nuts that attach the shaft to the pumpkin as well as the 3 bigger nuts that attach the front of the shaft to the trans. is this necessary? the old ones seem to be tight. please advise. thank you.

76bimmer

[ClayW]

I wouldn't say that you need to replace them, unless they're worn. Just clean them and loc-tite them down. Also, make sure to replace the tranny seals (rear and gear selector shaft). Leaking trans fluid has been known to loosen driveshaft bolts.

Good Luck.

[SteveJ]

You don't NEED to replace them, but when you are looking at only $5 in new hardware, you SHOULD replace them if you are able.

Another way to look at it is how long do you take to clean every nut and bolt, and what is your time worth. Besides, do you really want to bolt up all those clean parts with some grungy, marginal hardware?

Replace them if you are able, or at least replace the ones that are questionable.

[BarryA]

dear 2002 FAQ forum,

i am in the process of swapping my 1976 2002 auto transmission. in the process, i have taken the driveshaft out. i have read that i should replace all locking nuts with new ones. i suppose this would include the 4 nuts that attach the shaft to the pumpkin as well as the 3 bigger nuts that attach the front of the shaft to the trans. is this necessary? the old ones seem to be tight. please advise. thank you.

76bimmer

hurt on any locking nut, especially in a critical application like driveshaft, suspension/steering or brakes. When it comes to steering and/or brake parts, I usually replace the nuts and use loctite - last thing I want is something coming loose that's going to compromise turning or stopping....