I purchased a 23 mm socket and tried it, it was way to small, I figure it to be at least a 25 mm (or SAE equvilant) bolt. maybe someone replaced it with a bigger than stock bolt? I do not have an extensive 1/2 drive socket set yet. I will be purchasing a set as soon as I find out what nationality and size this wacky bolt is. Thanks for everyones input.

Sears has a converter, from 1/2" drive to 3/8", I use it all the time. That way I can use my breaker bar, without buying the sockets for it. No, it may not be the best solution, however, it has worked well for me. Sears also has a little 'kit' if you will, that has tons of extensions. And, universal joint extensions, plus the converters for different sized sockets. I think I paid $30.. love it, already paid for itself getting my rear header off .


-justin

Those come in handy, but they do add to the length of the socket which can make tight spots impossible, and make it more likely that your socket will slip off and round off your bolt heads. And sometimes a 3/8' socket (or square drive, more often) isn't up to 1/2" drive breaker bar torque. I highly suggest getting the socket in 1/2" drive. It beats breaking stuff and rounding off bolt heads.

That'* my 2 cents.

I can crack most non-impact sockets with a 6" rachet. I'm not a big guy. Buy impact.

also reducers break when mega torque is added on them i broke 3 snap-on one already also to get the job done buy just a regluar 1/2 driver and use a pipe of some nature to give you added leverage if you need it expense tools are nice if you have the money to spend on it but arent nesscary to do the job right

1) Just checked and 15/16" six point impact socket fits both 90 "C" and 92 "L". 24mm would be slightly larger.
2) No way I would use any 3/8" components, the spec is 219 lf-ft.
3) To remove I use the starter. To install I use a 1/2" torque wrench and a ring gear holder (before I had the holder, I have used a big philips screwdriver).
4) 1990 factory manual says nothing about replacing the bolt (6A8-17)

This is a 1988 Bonnie with the "C" engine must have been a changover from 88 to 90 as I metioned before the 23 mm socket came nowhere close to fitting the bolt. Anybody out there with an 88 model "C" engine that knows the size of the bolt.
I plan on using 1/2 drive impact socket and extension with a breaker bar to work on the car, 3/8s won't cut the mustard on this BIG unkown size bolt. Thanks for your replies and Merry CHRISTmas.

I have all Craftsman tools. I used the reducers to remove my head bolts. I didn't break a reducer, but I broke a socket instead . Sometimes, my breakerbar fits better, than my 3/8" ratchet with a 3ft long PVC pipe.. it all depends on the situation. However, sometimes I get worried that I will break my socket wrench [the mechanism], and since my breakerbar doesn't have that, I feel more secure with that. Every situation is different, of course. However, I think with quality tools, you will be fine. Plus, if I break mine, I just go back to Sears, say "This broke" and they replace it for free.


-justin

A 24 mm socket fits mine.

"I just go back to Sears, say "This broke" and they replace it for free. "

Except torque wrenches...