Steering assy subframe tricky bolt

[nznikin]

Hi Lads.

Easy one for ya... i hope. images attached.

Im currently pulling apart the steering assy sub frame and ive had to saw through the 2 chassis bolts at the front as they are rusted on something good. Question... how would I go about removing the bolt head as there isnt much head room. Only idea so far is a reciprocating saw with a long blase and cut the head off. Any other ideas out there?

Last question. Would it be fine to replace with suitable length bolts and instead have the head on the outside as it looks like the bolts was installed on the chassis rail before the frame was fitted on top.

Cheers in advance,
Nick

[loot]

On my custom the bolt head is oval and has a rivet going into the metal to stop the bolt spinning.

You should have burnt the nut off it would have saved the bolt.

Access above is minimal so you might need to cut metal away to be able to get a bolt in from above.

Personally I'd only want to do it the correct way but if you choose to do it your way consider tack welding a bit on top and bottom so nothing can work loose.

[Airthies]

If you can get the original out without too much hassle or damage I don't see an issue with putting the bolt in from the bottom with the nut on top.
I'd recommend studlock to make sure it wouldn't the rarest of chances it slackens an dropped out.
And looks like you've got most of it stripped out so access is fairlie good just now.
The other option would be to measure accurately and put a small access hole in the cab floor just above it so you can get the old bolt out an a new bolt in.

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[loot]

The bolt is through the chassis leg and about 8in long and above is more bodywork so it isn't going to be easy.

Crazy idea cutting the end off

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=172399&start=105
You can see where the bolt goes here, middle bit that has a tube

[loot]

There's your bolt.

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=172399&start=135

[Airthies]

Those links just take you to a random spot in your thread. But this is the one you mean I think?

What's to stop cutting the top and putting the bolt up the way as you can get to the head easily enough.so should be simple to get a nut in there.
That was going to be my plan to.put a longer one up from bottom when I go to drop my subframe.
Hadn't really thought about how to get it out but it's only the cab floor just above it, is it not?
Add an extra drain hole under the floor mat?

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[loot]

It's by the strut top i think and layers, in that picture I've got it stripped so there no chassis leg in the way Lol.

I think there's 2 skins above it anyway but a big drill bit might get it or might not Lol.

Bloody ford

[Airthies]

Might poke a wee drill through a van in the breakers next time I'm there. Don't tell them though

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[nznikin]

Those links just take you to a random spot in your thread. But this is the one you mean I think?

What's to stop cutting the top and putting the bolt up the way as you can get to the head easily enough.so should be simple to get a nut in there.
That was going to be my plan to.put a longer one up from bottom when I go to drop my subframe.
Hadn't really thought about how to get it out but it's only the cab floor just above it, is it not?
Add an extra drain hole under the floor mat?

Sent from my anu5 using crapatalk

You are correct sir. I have taken your advice and drilled access holes. I'll post them here soon when I have the time. I'll even add dimensions.

[nznikin]

The bolt is through the chassis leg and about 8in long and above is more bodywork so it isn't going to be easy.

Crazy idea cutting the end off

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=172399&start=105
You can see where the bolt goes here, middle bit that has a tube

Hi loot. I didn't want to cut it either. I've tried everything to get it off. I ended up drilling some 40mm access holes inside the cab. Was too easy. Plus I plan on replacing any and all structural fasteners as they have considerable rust.

[loot]

That's good then, i did think you'd struggle to get it from above but if you have done then it'll be so much easier

[nznikin]

OK, so ive drilled some 40mm access holes from above. Here are a few tips so you can do it. It's not too hard, especially with the engine out like I do.
Drivers side you need to remove the accelerator pedal to get clearance, x2 13mm nuts.
Use a pilot hole to ensure you are at least in the right area before considering any larger diameter holes. Im my case I was 5mm off each time so I was still inside the bolt head and could fine tune the dimension.
I just had enough clearance on the passenger side with my drill + hole saw, ill post image of what I used when I get home as I did not take the image.
See info for each image on dimensions.

Cheers,
Nick

[nznikin]

Might poke a wee drill through a van in the breakers next time I'm there. Don't tell them though

Sent from my anu5 using crapatalk

Hi Airthies

See the images and dimensions I have attached about hole location.

Cheers,
Nick

[Airthies]

Cher bro!
That's great to know brilliant pics btw, I find for stuff like that a step drill is good, as you can "adjust" the hole centre slightly as you go.

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