BL help!

[nvrhapy]

well i started my BL :fire: and of course having the frustrating problems that comes along with it, my question is i have broke the heads of 3 body mount bolts (front passenger side, passenger seat and drivers seat), i know i need new mounts now but how do i get these old ones out.

 

[jimbo74]

have you tried to torch them to heat them up and tried a bolt removal system?

 

[nvrhapy]

bolt removal system?????

 

[nvrhapy]

anybody

 

[Redrig]

Im not 100% sure but i think he means like a tap and die set. You drill a hole in the bolt then you screw something into backwards to remove the bolt.

 

[cdsl227]

If the head of the bolt broke off clean...

And If the bolt extractor doesn't work or if you want another way- since you're going to have to jack up the body to insert the blocks- use a pipe wrench and try spinning them out that way.

Once you raise the body off the frame you should be able to get a pipe wrench or good pair of vise grips on the shank of the bolt itself.

Use lots of WD-40 on the threaded area, stay away from where you're going to try using vise grips, a pipe wrench will bite well no matter what.

 

[Sherwood]

If all else fails, drill out the bolts which will most likely screw up the threads, then just use through bolts with nuts on the other end. Just make sure that they are at least grade 5. I used grade 8 myself just to make sure. Not much of a price difference for the added extra insurance.

 

[cdsl227]

That's right, I don't know if they started making BL's for the 2nd Gens and supplying longer bolts, I used the 91-94 BL and I had to drill out the threads and use through bolts...

 

[nvrhapy]

well got 2 of of the 3 body mounts out, one i got to thread out and the other i had to cut off. i going to try and get the 3rd and last one tomorrow. how likely is it that my local ford dealer will be able to get the mounts and what is the price range for one?

 

[nvrhapy]

????

 

[cdsl227]

Ford will definitely have/get the mounts. Pricing...??? I guess it depends on where you are.

 

[Sherwood]

I would just use through bolts. Its cheaper and works the same. When I lifted mine, I had to drill out two of them and use through bolts.

 

[nvrhapy]

well one of the body mounts is hacked to sh*t so i definately need one but the front one i can try and drill out and the other driver side one..... well lets just say i'm still working on getting that one out :fire:.... Did you just use a standard drill and steel bit to drill it out, it seems like that would take for ever?

 

[davidmmm69]

makes me not want to thin about installing my body lift!!!
although my 95 explorer has lived all it's life in florida so there is absolutly no rust anywhere under the body.
I think that might help my situation a little..

 

[Sherwood]

I would use a smaller bit than the bolt. Try to drill down the center. If it works just keep getting bigger until you get most of the bolt out. All the while trying to turn the bolt as there wont be as much pressure on the outside of the bolt. Obviously, if it screws up the threads, just go to a through bolt.

 

[FROADER]

well i started my BL and of course having the frustrating problems that comes along with it

Remember from the other thread, no regrets. You're going to fit 35s when you're done with it. Think happy thoughts...

 

[jnealg]

some tools folks need to be aware of...
reverse drill bits- kinda a last resort, will drill with drive in reverse allowing the torque to loosen the bolt.

easy out set- (also called a bolt extractor) various shaped tool set to tap into the hole you just drilled but still couldnt get the bolt out. shaped so it grabbes the sides of the hole then use a wrench to turn the easy out. Kinda replaces the bolt head but stronger.

WD40- the ONLY thing I have found this often misused item, as a former gunsmith, usefull for is to loosen bolts and occaisionally cleaning metal/displacing water. Its terrible as a general lube. Apply liberaly over night if unable to soak the part.

Propane torch- heat the bolt to loosen any thing in the threads like loctite and try.

Hammer- tapping a bolt can shock the stuff locking the threads. not always usefull for loctite but can get the light rust loose. Dont use a dog gone maul, just a light ball peen.

HTH

 

[nvrhapy]

thnaks for the help guys i will be giving it another shot this weekend, i'll keep you guys updated.

 

[nvrhapy]

well i made a little more progress with the X i was able to get the last mount out and i put in the 3inch spacers in, except for the two front ones and the two that are under the front seats. those 4 mounts have to be replaced. where else might sell the body mounts besides Fords?

 

[DeRocha]

I believe Ford only carries the mounts... Here is a link to my Body Mount replacement thread.