Removing tow hooks
#1
Removing tow hooks
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?
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#5
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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.
#7
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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.
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#8
Contributing Member
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.
Last edited by MTL_4runner; 03-10-2007 at 07:59 AM.
#10
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.
#11
Contributing Member
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.
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