Broken off shock mount on radial arm

[bluexpy]

I went this morning to replace the radial arm bushings. First thing I did was to disconnect the driver's side sway bar. That went good.

Then I proceeded to the driver's side lower shock mount. I'd sprayed some PB blaster on the shock mount bolt last night. It was rusted on tight. I couldn't heat it up so I used a breaker bar and tried to get it loose. I managed to snap the bolt off right in the middle! :roll:

I looked at the back at the shock mount, it seems like it is integrated to the radial arm. I can install the nut that's rusted to the disc as it snapped halfway so there is enough thread to tighten it. I know this isn't safe.

I was hoping if it somehow be replaced. I don't think you could remove the radial arm itself, could you? If the shock mount could be replaced, how would one go about doing it?

Here are two pics for the visual freaks.

The broken off bolt.

With it installed, "tight" enough"...

What do to do?

 

[Willard]

You can replace the mount. Read through this thread, it should put you in the right direction. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199866&highlight=shock+mount+replacement

 

[Jason94sport]

And search for my posts on it as well. "Shock mount"

 

[Clarke]

I did the same thing a month age.
So this is how I fixed it.
I cut the head of a bolt the same size as what was aready there.
Then I welded the stud to the old broken stud and crancked the new nut and washer on
problom solved.

 

[bluexpy]

Thanks for the help, all. Local Pep Boys didn't have anything, will look harder later.

Failed to do the bushings - it started to rain, and I was hurtin' just about everywhere.

When I put it all back together, I managed to throw the camber angle wayyy off! There is now a lot of positive camber, it's now noticeable from a distance. Think I'm just gonna take it to shop, obviously I mucked something up.

 

[Dre]

did you fix it? I found something at Murray's Auto parts but I'm pretty sure NAPA should also have it... if not just cut-off the rest, drill a hole and install shock with a regular 8 grade bolt with some washers to move it away from the radius arm.

hope you resolved your issue though since it's been a month.

 

[smtcapecod]

I got the replacement studs after roaming through napa online for a while. They are often listed as Jeep replacement shock mounts.

 

[Dre]

there you go! usually they all have like a rack with suspension replacement parts... good luck!

 

[ricco750]

I got the replacement studs after roaming through napa online for a while. They are often listed as Jeep replacement shock mounts.

Here's the NAPA link for the stud repair kit.

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...30&PartNum=p19

 

[bluexpy]

That's what I got. Four of them P19s from NAPA. Just in case. Had to order online.

When I got them, the bolt that goes in the hole was huge. I only have a puny 3/8" drill, and I am sure I don't have any bit that large.

Since it broke off near the end, I want to see how far it will go out using a standard washer and nut so I don't have to drill.

If not, how do I cut it off? Don't have a lot of room under there, and I am NOT looking forward to spend an hour making love to a slow hacksaw. I know the mount are either welded or intergrated to the arm from factory.

 

[Dre]

to cut it use either sawzall or abgle grinder and then drill a hole in the radius arm. I di that twice already.

Best way to dril this is to drill a small pilot hole and then use step drill to get desired diameter.

Good luck!

 

[bluexpy]

If you used the NAPA's P19 replacement mount, do you recall what drill bit you used in order to fit the mount in?

I have a reciprocating saw that I could use...or go shopping for a new angle grinder.

 

[Dre]

Angle grinder will help you get a lot done around your truck... drill bit? don't recall - 1/2 inch perhaps???

I still have one of those studs in my tool box somewhere - can take a look.