Removing tow hooks

Cobra_R · 03-10-2007, 12:40 AM

So im having a hell of a time getting one bolt out on the tow hook. Im trying to remove it to get a new set of tow hooks and install a light bar and i think i stripped it because its just spinning in place. But i dont know what i stripped, the bolt or the nut inside the frame that it screws into. That little bastard just does not want to come out. The other ones came out just fine, but this one will not come out. Right now im in the long and slow process of drilling through the head of the bolt so that i can at least take the head off and be able to install my light bar. but i would like to be able to take it all the way out if possible. Does anybody have any techniques or advice they could give me?
Thanks

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jakesooy · 03-10-2007, 02:09 AM

if you get it out can i buy your tow hook from you?

Cobra_R · 03-10-2007, 02:20 AM

lol sure...ill pm you if i can get it out.

Gt4r97 · 03-10-2007, 04:55 AM

I had the same experience. There's one bolt up there that i didn't able to take take out. Eventually, I gave up my plan to replace mine!

usmarinerecon · 03-10-2007, 05:52 AM

Drill it out and buy a tap and die set. They're not too expensive. If you're going to do it, you might as well do it right. esp. if you're going to put new hooks on you are going to need all the support form both bolts when getting yourself or a friend out of a hole.... nothing like a hook thru the windshild or radiator.

98LimitedCustomized · 03-10-2007, 07:48 AM

another idea would be to cut the bolt off with a sawzall or cutting grinder and going from there. Might be easier than drilling it out like crazy.

4Crawler · 03-10-2007, 08:16 AM

Likely the nut that was welded up inside the frame that the bolt threaded into has broken loose and that is what is spinning. Aside from cutting the bolt off with a saw or cutoff wheel, another option is to find (or make) and access hole near the nut then weld it back in place.

MTL_4runner · 03-10-2007, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Crawler

Likely the nut that was welded up inside the frame that the bolt threaded into has broken loose and that is what is spinning.

I was thinking the same thing.....since it is a blind hole, it will be nearly impossible to repair without cutting a fairly large access hole and welding the nut back in place.

**UKMyers** · 03-10-2007, 09:18 AM

SAWZALL BABY!!

Cobra_R · 03-10-2007, 08:59 PM

haha yea ive thought about the sawzall, i dont have one so id have to borrow one but im already more then half way done with the drilling the bolt idea so ill probably just finish that off and buy a tap and die set. i didnt even think about drilling a hole into the frame and welding the nut back in place however, i may try that out.

Brendan · 03-10-2007, 09:17 PM

i had the same problem. the weld broke on the nut inside the frame. i was able to get the bolt out by using a pickle fork to pry down on the bolt head creating enough friction between the nut and frame to prevent it from turning.

03-10-2007, 02:20 AM	#3 (permalink)
Cobra_R Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 34	lol sure...ill pm you if i can get it out. __________________ 2002 Taco ExCab- 5spd, 4wd, 3.4L Mods: Deckplate mod, ISR mod, more to come...

03-10-2007, 04:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
Gt4r97 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Kent,WA Posts: 69	I had the same experience. There's one bolt up there that i didn't able to take take out. Eventually, I gave up my plan to replace mine! __________________

03-10-2007, 07:48 AM	#6 (permalink)
98LimitedCustomized Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 432	another idea would be to cut the bolt off with a sawzall or cutting grinder and going from there. Might be easier than drilling it out like crazy. __________________ 98 Limited, 3.4 Auto, 4.30's w/E-locker; TJM T-15, Tundra coils/OME lift, 235/85/16 Nokian Hakka 10's, custom 200 amp GM alternator, dual batteries, Brembo/PF brakes, modified Injen intake, Hella 500's, Hayden 678, Taurus Fan, etc

03-10-2007, 08:16 AM	#7 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,835	Likely the nut that was welded up inside the frame that the bolt threaded into has broken loose and that is what is spinning. Aside from cutting the bolt off with a saw or cutoff wheel, another option is to find (or make) and access hole near the nut then weld it back in place. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

03-10-2007, 08:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
Cobra_R Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 34	haha yea ive thought about the sawzall, i dont have one so id have to borrow one but im already more then half way done with the drilling the bolt idea so ill probably just finish that off and buy a tap and die set. i didnt even think about drilling a hole into the frame and welding the nut back in place however, i may try that out. __________________ 2002 Taco ExCab- 5spd, 4wd, 3.4L Mods: Deckplate mod, ISR mod, more to come...

03-10-2007, 02:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
jakesooy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 137	if you get it out can i buy your tow hook from you?

03-10-2007, 05:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
usmarinerecon Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: On the dark side of the moon Posts: 147	Drill it out and buy a tap and die set. They're not too expensive. If you're going to do it, you might as well do it right. esp. if you're going to put new hooks on you are going to need all the support form both bolts when getting yourself or a friend out of a hole.... nothing like a hook thru the windshild or radiator.

03-10-2007, 09:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
Brendan Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 2,117	i had the same problem. the weld broke on the nut inside the frame. i was able to get the bolt out by using a pickle fork to pry down on the bolt head creating enough friction between the nut and frame to prevent it from turning. __________________ 1992 "Truck" 1978 Land Cruiser FJ40 pig and elephant DNA just won't splice :( *DO NOT CLICK HERE*

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