Pre 84 Trucks 1st gen pickups

83 4x4 crossmember bolt problems

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Old 11-17-2013, 02:33 PM
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83 4x4 crossmember bolt problems

im trying to drop my tranny to replace it with another one. i sprayed the bolts down with wd40 before hand but the problem is that the nuts inside the frame broke loose and just spin inside there and i cant figure out how to unbolt it? does anyone know how to get it out or am i better off cutting the bolts off?
thanks in advance.
Old 11-17-2013, 04:54 PM
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Hmm...Yeah I had that happen on my 83, too, but only with a couple of them. Might be a good idea to wait and see if anyone else has any good ideas, but cutting them is the option that comes to mind for me.
Old 11-17-2013, 05:58 PM
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If you could apply downward force on them while turning...with a pickle fork or something. Prolly quicker to just cut off.

Real trick is what you gonna do when you have to put the bolt back in.


Can ya get a pic of the spot? Would really help for ideas.
Old 11-17-2013, 08:07 PM
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I had the same problem. Had to torch them out. When I replaced them I took a piece of flat bar and drilled holes in it at the same distance as the holes in the crossmember and then welded bolts onto the flat bar through the holes. I then fished some string through the holes in the frame and pulled the new flat bar bolt bracket through the frame and into the holes from the inside of the frame so that I could secure it with nuts. Basically, the setup I have now is the exact opposite of factory - the bolts are not on the inside of the frame and that nuts are outside. Follow me?
Old 11-17-2013, 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by kawazx636
I had the same problem. Had to torch them out. When I replaced them I took a piece of flat bar and drilled holes in it at the same distance as the holes in the crossmember and then welded bolts onto the flat bar through the holes. I then fished some string through the holes in the frame and pulled the new flat bar bolt bracket through the frame and into the holes from the inside of the frame so that I could secure it with nuts. Basically, the setup I have now is the exact opposite of factory - the bolts are not on the inside of the frame and that nuts are outside. Follow me?
Ingeniuos.
Old 11-18-2013, 12:28 AM
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Originally Posted by HighLux
Ingeniuos.
Seconded.
Inverted nutserts is a pretty great idea.
Old 11-18-2013, 05:36 AM
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i have tried to put force on the crossmember and barely got it to turn. i guess i will have to cut em. kawazx636 that sounds like a good idea. robotmoose what is a inverted nutsert all i can find is just a regular nutsert.
thanks for all the help so far
Old 11-18-2013, 05:59 AM
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Originally Posted by quaz65
i have tried to put force on the crossmember and barely got it to turn. i guess i will have to cut em. kawazx636 that sounds like a good idea. robotmoose what is a inverted nutsert all i can find is just a regular nutsert.
thanks for all the help so far
I just called Kawazx's solution the inverted nutsert, because it's the inverse of a nutsert (the parts the bolts thread into, the parts that busted off).
Technically, I think it might be apropos to call it a boltsert...
Old 11-18-2013, 06:02 AM
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oh ok i can see what you meant now
thanks
Old 11-18-2013, 06:05 AM
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Originally Posted by RobotMoose
I just called Kawazx's solution the inverted nutsert, because it's the inverse of a nutsert (the parts the bolts thread into, the parts that busted off).
Technically, I think it might be apropos to call it a boltsert...

Your coined term "inverted nutsert" has become a word and accepted as such. Now there is someone seeking one. All you have to do now is make one....and we have a new product. Any ideas? lol
Old 11-18-2013, 06:09 AM
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Originally Posted by HighLux
Your coined term "inverted nutsert" has become a word and accepted as such. Now there is someone seeking one. All you have to do now is make one....and we have a new product. Any ideas? lol
Actually, I was getting ready to buy myself a MIG....
Robotmoose: Inverted Nutsert Vendor!
Has a ring to it...
Old 11-18-2013, 06:11 AM
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Originally Posted by RobotMoose
Actually, I was getting ready to buy myself a MIG....
Robotmoose: Inverted Nutsert Vendor!
Has a ring to it...
"Creator" of the inverted nutsert. Coming soon...self installing bolts!
Old 11-18-2013, 06:13 AM
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Originally Posted by HighLux
"Creator" of the inverted nutsert. Coming soon...self installing bolts!
Self installing bolts?!?!?!
This time science has gone too far!
Old 11-18-2013, 06:33 AM
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You know someday...maybe in my lifetime....you will have a mechanic bot...and it will wrench on your truck for you.
Old 11-18-2013, 06:45 AM
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Originally Posted by HighLux
You know someday...maybe in my lifetime....you will have a mechanic bot...and it will wrench on your truck for you.
So you want a mini R2D2 to fix your truck now? It is in a Galaxy far far away Dave
Old 11-18-2013, 06:53 AM
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Originally Posted by dropzone
So you want a mini R2D2 to fix your truck now? It is in a Galaxy far far away Dave
Yes. Yes I do.

I was watching "How its made. Supercar edition".

Porsche has super advanced robots that weld the entire chassis and body together. It was unreal. They have robots install parts and torque them down.
The tech exists today to pull off small repairs Im sure.

Add 40 years tech onto todays. Where were we 40 years ago? A computer filled a room and had like 1k memory....lol. (may be exaggerating..may not be...nerds chime in)

I say in 40 years. Your autodrive electric car breaks down. A mobile unmanned repair vehicle arrives. Plugs in diagnostic port. Determines spot fix or tow. You can see where Im going.

40 years ago Star Trek had communicators. How space age!!! An iphone blows one away now.

I hope I live long enough to be around to see it.
Old 11-18-2013, 08:17 AM
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I want royalties on these inverted nutserts!
Old 11-18-2013, 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by HighLux
You know someday...maybe in my lifetime....you will have a mechanic bot...and it will wrench on your truck for you.
That would be awesome. Somehow though, there would still be a lunatic fringe that keeps up with the hand tools because it's how it's always been done.
In fact, I think I may be among them; not that I dislike technology, but pouring a nice, hoppy brew after a day's honest work on my rig is just so... satisfying.


Originally Posted by dropzone
So you want a mini R2D2 to fix your truck now? It is in a Galaxy far far away Dave
R2-D2 is cool, but I think I'd rather have a Bender!

83 4x4 crossmember bolt problems-m0v0pwy.gif


Originally Posted by kawazx636
I want royalties on these inverted nutserts!
Blast! I've been caught.
Old 11-18-2013, 11:15 AM
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Red face

Even cutting with a Zip disc they spin so easy to catch and explode a disc like that

Torch or Plasma or light saber if it is handy!!

Another way to do this is to drill and tap the M12x1.25 thread into a piece of flat say 3/8" to 1/2" thick or use weld nuts welded to the Flat.

Then remove the frame section and weld your new piece in.

i have done a few like this .

Goes with out saying not for the less experienced

If you don`t know how to shape the plates it is not for you yet!!

Another option is to redesign how the crossmember attaches
Old 11-18-2013, 11:48 AM
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Not the best or preferred method but I have seen square u-bolts used as a temporary fix until you can get experienced welding/fab help..


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