....like it says in the title, one of the holes in the rear end yoke is stripped. Not so badly that it worthless, but it needs to be fixed. I've never actually retapped a hole before, is it something that can be done without removing the rear? I'll be all up under the car redoing the rear suspension, so the DS and TA will be off anyhow, but does the YOKE actually need to come off? ...and if so, what's the process for THAT???

.....and does anyone know what the bolts should be torqued to?

 

It needs more than just "tapped".

Tapping is a method of cutting threads in material that's already there. When you strip the threads, the material is gone. Nothing left to cut threads into. You can't miracle up the smaller-diameter portions of the threads out of nothing.

You'll need to Heli-Coil it. IIRC those are 5/16"-24 (fine); just go to the parts store and get that size kit (or whatever size it is, if it's not that one). Once you see what needs to be done, it will make perfect sense.

Yes you should be able to do it without removing the rear from the car, if you want to.

Bolt torque, as always, is no mystery. It goes with hardware size. Correct torque for that size fastener is about 22-24 ft-lbs.

 

....I had actually thought of that exact issue. My buddy mentioned re-tapping, but in fairness to him, he hadn't actually been under the car and seen the problem. I was kinda wondering how he planned to miracle up that extra material!!!

....could you re-tap larger? ....is heli-coil strong enough? It must be if everyone uses it.

 

heli-coil is very strong. if done right, it can actually be stronger than the original threaded hole. Unfortunately I've had to resort to heli-coiling a few times, and it has always saved my neck.