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| Subframe bolts stuck (Page 1/1) |
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BruhMans06
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AUG 04, 05:25 PM
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So im trying to drop my subframe in preparation of my engine swap but ive run into a major issue with doing so.
one of my rear subframe bolts is completely rounded off. I attempted heat and pb blaster and no dice, still wont rotate. I even attemted to weld a socket/nut to it to break it lose (3 separate times) but my welding skills are crap and i cant get penetration on the bolt, so that aint working out either.
so i decided to see what was in the subframe and drilled a hole through the trunk to see if I could get a socket and loosen the top bolt instead, but to my surprise, the bolt doesnt look much like a bolt and kinda just like a threaded tube.
I dont have the means to cut the bolt head off since I dont have a torch. I only have an angle grinder that ive never used in my life and I dont know what help that would give me.
im stuck and dont know what to do.
help pls
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Larryinkc
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AUG 04, 05:48 PM
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Dennis LaGrua
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AUG 04, 05:56 PM
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This is a very common issue. First support the car and the engine securely. Cut the bolts with a cutting wheel. You can replace them later on with the Dickman repair kit and new poly bushings are available. The rear facia must be removed to position and tighten the new frame nuts, ------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
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Vintage-Nut
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AUG 04, 05:58 PM
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gregr75
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AUG 04, 07:27 PM
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if you're talking about the two vertical bolts going to the witch hat nuts in the frame rail you can gain access by removing the reat obumper and you have a straight shot and easy access to them with a reciprocating saw or grinder. They came off easy because someone put antiseize on them, but the two horizontal bolts at the front of the subframe i had to sawzall off. NOTE: DEFINITELY SUPPORT under the cradle as breaking these bolts will cause the whole cradle/engine to come swinging down towards the ground if unsupported underneath.
Note: The original witch hat nuts often break off their welds in the frame rail, and you may have to jam a hold long prybar in there to keep them from spinning in the frame rail while you are doing your removal work.
here's a photo of what it looks like after you remove the bumper and cover and some other dents, it's not too much work. red arrow poiniting to bolt poking through witch hat nut.
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BruhMans06
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AUG 05, 02:01 PM
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thanks for the feedback yall. im gonna try to cut the bolt with my angle grinder at somepoint and hopefully not hurt myself in the process. ill prolly end up going ahead with the bolt kit from rodney to replace the crap ones inside the frame.
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richard in nc
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AUG 05, 05:08 PM
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ive never done this but if i need to remove the subframe i plan to remove the bumper and spray the nut with pb plaster for several days.
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BruhMans06
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AUG 05, 05:15 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by richard in nc:
ive never done this but if i need to remove the subframe i plan to remove the bumper and spray the nut with pb plaster for several days. |
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that would def be the smartest thing to do lmao
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Jason88Notchie
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AUG 05, 07:29 PM
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I had this happen to me many years ago too. Very common. Not as common when it happened to me in the 90s though. I put a nut splitter on top of the which hat got the bolt out. Replaced with new bolts and nuts with lock washers. Worked great. You'll get it. Much more support out there now, than when I did this.
Edit: this was on a 88 cradle.[This message has been edited by Jason88Notchie (edited 08-06-2024).]
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fieroguru
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AUG 06, 07:07 AM
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Get a cobalt drill bit and drill through the head of the bolt.
It is a M12 x 1.75 bolt, so a 1/2" drill with a set profile will work.
Once the heads are off, you can get the cradle out of the way. Then you can hammer the bolts up through the frame rail and pop off the spot welds on the sheet metal holding the witches hat nuts in place. Once those are out, then you can install new ones.
If the witches hats are still good, you can weld them to a metal bar and that will keep them from every spinning again.
If the witches hats are bad, then you can just weld a new nut to a 6" length of bar and install them. My last set I was able to snake in through the slots in the rear of the frame rail without taking the bumper off and push them into position with some steel wire.[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 08-06-2024).]
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