Cobra_R

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

jakesooy

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

Cobra_R

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

Gt4r97

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

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

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

iTrader: (3)

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

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

SAWZALL BABY!!

Cobra_R

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

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.