2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Stabilizer bolt stuck - HELP!!!

[400Magnum]

Hi All,



I hope someone can help me with this. I'm trying to remove the OEM steering stabilizer and I am having problems trying to remove the bolt that goes thru the bar near the center of the truck. I've tried turning on it to break it loose using the hex on the inside of the bolt, nothing. I've tried beating on the end of the threaded end to "push" it thru the bar, nothing. I sprayed some penetrating oil on it to soak overnight, hoping that will help some.



Is the bar that the bolt passes thru threaded? It didn't look like it was, but I could be wrong.



What's the best way to remove that stupid bolt???



Any help will be appreciated.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

One QUICK HARD WRAP with a heavy ball peen on the BULGE of the BAR THE STUD GOES THRU ... not the stud and she should drop right out.

 

[400Magnum]

Okay, I'll give that a try. I sure hope it works, it's supposed to be in the single digits for temperature, and the windchill will drop it even further, and I don't want to have to work on this thing any longer than I have to.



I'm still open to any other ideas in case this doesn't work. No offense TMTT, but I need to have as many options as I can get. I seem to be one of those people that doesn't have much luck when it comes to working on things. What works for everyone else usually doesn't work for me. But I'll give it a shot. I've got a 3 lb. hammer that I just can't wait to swing at something!



Thanks for the tip.

 

[dieselshu]

400, I had the same problem, I tried the hammer rap, didnt help, so I ended up using pitman arm puller to press it out, this mushroomed the ended but I replaced the stabilizer with a MOOG stabilizer and it came with a replacement bolt and tapered bushing. All is well.



Dave

 

[Sled Puller]

I used every trick in the book, including heating it up with a torch. It finally came out, and I saw what the problem was. It had tore the metal when it was installed, so instead of a nice tapered smooth fit, it was bumpy and jagged, then rusted in.



Someone told me an air chisel with a fork on the end of it may have helped things go a little smoother.

 

[Todd G]

I used a 14" pipe wrench to persuade mine to exit.

 

[HomerDog]

I had the same problem. An Air hammer with a pickle fork on the end is what finally broke it loose.