Pulling axles, 8.5 rear end, hit a snag

[dsraven]

sometimes the last guy will use red loctite on the threads. if this is the case then a LITTLE heat can be a big help. too much heat can warp the carrier so be carefull. a 6 point wrench or socket is what you need (personally I use a snap on 6 point wrench, not a socket, because then I can see if it about to slip on the bolt head. some shim stock can be your friend here as pointed out earlier with the gum wrapper foil) also, I have welded a nut to the bolt head lots of times in the past BUT always put the ground clamp ON THE CARRIER or the welding current will be forced to go through the BEARINGS and they will be the next project for you. if the head of the bolt breaks off you can also weld a nut to what is left for a nub. put a piece of rubber over the electrode (arc welder here) so it doesn't arc on the end of the threads in the carrier. sometimes the pin will be broken off further down the bolt and I have used the welder technique here too. put the rod inside a piece of rubber tubing so it can't touch the threaded carrier part, break some flux off the end of the rod, push it down the threaded hole so it touches the broken off-jambed pin, then turn the welder on for a SECOND and see if the rod welded itself to the broken off pin good enough to allow you to pull the pin out. you can also try turning the centre diff pin at the same time because sometimes the retainer bolt pin is bent.
good luck. keep us posted.