You have 8 bolts and nuts, 4 on the diff side and 4 on the transfer case. The 4 bolts on the diff side can come out, you can replace them or keep them... it does not matter. The problem really lies with the nuts getting chewed up and they become unusable. The bolts are fine.
The transfer case side is different, the bolt heads are trapped by the output flange, you cannot remove them without doing something like cutting them. Then how do you get the new ones in? Ok, so leave them in since the bolts are actually fine, it's just the nuts that may be chewed up.
Less confused?

BTW I found my nuts at Napa.

 

Im an **** engineer. My bolts came out and were replaced because it didnt pass "my" visual inspection. I had to cut off the bolts on the T-case flange, otherwise the only way they were coming out was to remove the flange. If your bolt/threads visually look OK just replace the 3/8" nylocks. This goes for both sets (T-case flange and Front Diff flange).

The bolts and nuts were hard to find, for me anyway. No hardware store stocked 3/8" fine thread grade 8 1-1/4" bolts and/or nuts.

 

OK cool... so if the bolts are fine they stay in and I'm looking at a 20 minute job in and out? Thanks! I really want to just take it to a local shop then and have them throw it on the lift and do it for me for a few bucks. My shoulder has been bugging me since a snowboarding crash last week...not bad, just bugging me... but I think it will make it hard to do lying on the ground. Never a dull moment!

 

Yeah, like everyone else said, bolts are fine. It's the nuts. Nylocks are single use. The lose their ability to hold after they are used. I guess you could loctite them, but why risk it.

 

After you get the bolt situation figured out. I think the torque spec on the prop shaft bolts are 25nm. If you have torque wrench and a 6" extension its doable.

Dave

 

Thanks, that was actually another question I had. It seemed like everyone said "until they are tight" but I might as well be accurate if/when possible!

 

Actually Its best if you have a 6" "wobble" extension extension but those are pricey. I got a 3 pack of those from Harbor Frieght, Pittsburge Steel brand and its the best $9.99 I've spent in awhile. They are even hardended black "Impact" 3\8". Especially when the Craftsman set is around $80. Geezsh Next is the 1/2" set when they go on sale. Nothing worse than on your back trying to fix your ride and you dont have the right socket/wobble/extension.

My friend was making fun of me for not buying Craftsman, but the for extensions and some other small items Harbor Frieght prices are killer deals. I just wish it was not all China made.

 

Can't torque with a wobbly though, throws the wrench calibration off.

I just let the impact send it home till the sound changed... lol

 

It was finally Lowes FTW! Sears hardware had them...but only 3. Home Depot didn't appear to and they were complete idiots. Finally, after driving through flooding for an hour or two to all the difference places thankfully Lowes was the winner.
Thanks all!

 

Glad you found them! Can you post size/model/sku please?

I went to home depot last week and could not find them :/.

Goodluck with your install!