Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Frozen lower shock bolts

[TSielski]

Although not in the rust belt, I seem nevertheless to have my share and then some of rusted fasteners. This time, the lower shock attachment bolts (along with the shocks) seem determined to go to the crusher with this truck (whenever that time comes).

The other day noticed that the lower urethane bushings on my front Rancho 9000's were badly dry-rotted. After picking up a new pair, and about an hour of rather inventive swearing, the lower bolts ain't movin.

Soaked them in liquid wrench, and wailed on 'em with a good 1/2" dr impact. No joy. (and yes, I ws loosening, not tightening!) Save trying to rent a 3/4" dr impact that may have some more snot, I'm out of ideas. Thought of using some heat, but that will likely destroy the bushings, and I'll really be hosed if the bolts are still frozen. Think I can grind the bolt head off with a die grinder, but there's no access to the flange nut to to the same. (2500 4x4).

If anyone's had this problem, or has any suggestions, I'd be appreciative.

Thanks,



Tim

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Try heating just the nut with a neutral flame on your oxyacy torch. Also, you may get them loose with a breaker bar, snug fitting 6 point socket, and a long pipe extension (cheater) where an impact won't do it. The bolts are probably rusted to the nuts, not the bushing sleeves, but if to the sleeves you are royally sc, errrr in trouble. All else failing, someone who is an artist with the blue wrench can knock off the bolt head and the nut without roaching everything around it.



Maybe it's time to find a place that offers free replacement (labor)when you buy their shocks. Sears used to do this (maybe still does?).

 

[HoleshotHolset]

If you are replacing the bushings... what difference does it make if you ruin the ones that are already in there?



Heat is better than any of that snake-oil 'rust buster', 'nut loosener' (no pun intended... ) stuff... .



Matt

 

[TSielski]

Well, I'm not concerned about destroying the dry-rotted bushings, however, I don't have a cutting torch here to try and cut the bolt ends off if the heat doesn't do the trick.

If I use heat, fully or partially melt the bushings down, and the bolts are still frozen, I can't imagine it would be advisable to drive the vehicle like that. And I would have to drive it to get to that "artist with the blue wrench".

It looks like I will do just that. Snag two replacement bolts and nuts, and get the truck to my brothers shop, albeit it's 200 miles away.

Thanks guys.



Tim

 

[QRTRHRS]

Tim, try MAPP gas. It's cheap if you don't have a fire wrench, just take a bit longer. For the oil route, I find that Kroil works it's way in pretty well. It will take some time though.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Mopar rust penetrant #4318039 seems to work very well.

Good luck!

 

[Tardog]

Jim, A standard propane torch can produce a lot of heat and is quite controlable. You don't nescesarily have to get it red hot. I've used this many times in other circumstances and will crack nuts where alot of impacts won't go, cheers

 

[Sregorb]

Please forgive the simpleton suggestion but I've always had luck with a dremel and a cutting disk... .



Brian

 

[Champane Flight]

Room

Is there room for a Nut splitter?

 

[illflem]

I started using a heat gun rather than a torch years ago, less damage to the surrounding areas. Works most every time. You can pick up a gun for around $30 and once you have one will find many uses for it.

 

[TSielski]

Managed to free the little buggers without resorting to the 'gas axe'.

A 5' piece of 3/4" pipe slipped over a 24" 1/2" dr breaker bar did the trick. Whether soaking overnight in a bath of liquid wrench and PB helped is unknown, but they're off.

Were rusted pretty badly. After cleaning things up, new urethane bushings and a lot of anti-sieze, truck is back together.

Stealer btw wanted $12 and change for each bolt. Glad I tried this first before ordering. Bolts are 14mm x 2. 0, 80mm long, grade 10. 9, with a full flange. (about equal to sae grade 8).

US 1/2 - 13 bolts would work if you used thicker walled bushing sleeves.

Appreciate everyone's suggestions.



Tim

 

[KYOUNG]

bolts

i bought new bolts from local dealer in tulsa for $ 5. 00 a piece.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

glad to hear you got those buggers out... .



That PB stuff is probably the best of all the snake oils I have tried... but nothing beats swearing at it just like you would a toaster that ate your bagel and wouldn't give it up for anything.



Matt