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View Full Version : Suspension The worst bolt in the worst place broke off.. any ideas?


Jeff K
07-01-2012, 07:37 PM
I was changing the radius bushings and TAB's today and the bolt holding on the radius bushing broke. This is so far for me the most inaccessible bolt on the car.

Even worse, the bolt is too long and the nut cannot be removed to attempt a vise grip. I tried cutting the bolt, but a 1 1/2" cutter is too small, and a 3 " wont fit.

My only guess is to make a hole in the frame. The other side it too tight for even a compact right angle air drill.

Any ideas?
Jeff

11573
DMCMW Dave
07-01-2012, 07:55 PM
My only guess is to make a hole in the frame. The other side it too tight for even a compact right angle air drill.



OR lift off the body.

You might be able to use a right angle air drill from the outside if you make yourself some really short bits.

You can drill it from the inside (what you mentioned i.e. putting a harmless access hole in the frame), but for access there you may need to get the transmission out of the way. With the trans out you can probably cut the back off the bolt so you are not trying to drill through a whole inch of bolt. . .
Jeff K
07-01-2012, 08:11 PM
OR lift off the body.

You might be able to use a right angle air drill from the outside if you make yourself some really short bits.

You can drill it from the inside (what you mentioned i.e. putting a harmless access hole in the frame), but for access there you may need to get the transmission out of the way. With the trans out you can probably cut the back off the bolt so you are not trying to drill through a whole inch of bolt. . .

I can get at it with an access hole, I guess that is the route. The other options are waaay more then I'm ready for at this time.. Uugghh!

Thanks Dave!
Nicholas R
07-01-2012, 09:20 PM
You'd be surprised how much easier lifting the body off the frame is than it sounds. If you make a short checklist you can go 6" to a foot up. If you make a check list a little longer you can go as high as you want.
rddmc
07-01-2012, 10:04 PM
Dremel tool?

Rod
10921
Jeff K
07-01-2012, 10:06 PM
You'd be surprised how much easier lifting the body off the frame is than it sounds. If you make a short checklist you can go 6" to a foot up. If you make a check list a little longer you can go as high as you want.

I saw your video, that was great. One of my BIG to-do's is take the frame off and send it out to be sandblasted and re-coated.

Hmmm. I was thinking winter but...