[DeTomaso] A ZF Type Question

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

First, is the ZF leaking? 'Cause if it isn't, I'd simply leave it alone until 
it does. Two possibilities: either you are extremely lucky & only the nut 
stripped (easy repair- remove, clean stud threads & add a new metric nut), or you 
aren't lucky & the stud is pulling out of the case. 
Possible fixes: A helicoil will work as long as you somehow remove the 
shavings from drilling & tapping the helicoil from inside. That side cover will have 
to come off completely (it just pulls out together with the inner stub-axle).
Depending on exactly WHICH stud is bad, you might be able to fit a std 
hex-bolt thru the stripped-out hole from inside of the case, with lots of Permatex 
around the bolt shank & head. Grinding the head of a bolt thinner might even 
let it clear the close quarters inside the case on the ring gear side. 
TIG-welding means removing both black iron side covers and the differential 
from the case for weld-access, grinding the repair-weld flat, then re-tapping. 
I'd strip the diff case first- not extremely difficult. Good luck- J DeRyke