quick question on torque arm

[blackthunder50]

This morning i was backing out and noticed a thud that wasnt normal. I looked underneath and the torque arm bushing holders bolt came off. so the arm was up under the chassis bumping it. Could this have ruined the pinion seal, because a little bit of oil was on the torque arm back there?? Thanks guys

[Injuneer]

When the pinion angle gets messed up, the u-joints put an extra lateral load on the pinion, that isn't there when the pinion angle is correct. Its possible the extra load ruined the pinion seal.

[blackthunder50]

Thanks for the info injuneer, know that I only drove it less than 5 miles before it fell off, and the pinion seal is only a week old so I dont think it failed.

However,
it appears that the torque arm bushing clamp that mounts to the tranny is stripped. The bolt size is M10-1.5x30. My buddy at ford said they have all different size self tapping bolts. Will this be safe? I have used the new threading kits before but theres not enough room at the top of the clamp to do that.