Hey guys, so I know this topic has been posted on here a lot, Ive gone thru all the old post about this and have tried everything.

So I have an 87 Gt auto that im doing an engine swap in. I am ready to drop the old engine but the rear cradle bolts are spinning. I took off the rear bumper and can see that the metal plates that hold the nuts for the bolts are rusted to the point where the bolts just spin the whole plate. I have tried to get a wrench on the nut but there are no wrench sizes in Metric or Standard that fit just right. I cant get vise grips in there eithe ( to small of frame area )

So im at a lose as to what to do? Can someone give me any tips or ideas as to get past this issue. I already order the Rodney replacement plates.

Thanks guys

I was in the same situation you are in. What i did, was take my mini grinder with cutoff wheel and grind a flap in the side of the frame rail where those nuts are. I folded the flap up and clamped a GOOD set of real VISE GRIPS on the nut and soaked the exposed bolt threads with a good quaility penetrating fluid. I think if i remember right, I had to heat them as well with a propane torch to get them to start. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

rodney Dickman sell a cool little part to do that very fix

[This message has been edited by revin (edited 09-04-2014).]

Just another option.If you remove the rear bumper, you can fit a "plumber's wrench" down inside the frame rail to hold the nut from turning.Soak the nut with penetrating oil of some sort for a while before trying to remove the bolt.I used this method after learning of it here on the forum and it did the trick.

quote Originally posted by 85GT_3800SC: Just another option.If you remove the rear bumper, you can fit a "plumber's wrench" down inside the frame rail to hold the nut from turning.Soak the nut with penetrating oil of some sort for a while before trying to remove the bolt.I used this method after learning of it here on the forum and it did the trick.

Definitely the way to go if you have the time and you don't want extra holes in your cradle!

quote Originally posted by 85GT_3800SC: Just another option.If you remove the rear bumper, you can fit a "plumber's wrench" down inside the frame rail ...

Pipe wrench.


I also see that one can spray the inside of the frame area down (where the "nut" is) with a penetrant like PB blaster through those oval "crumple zone" holes in the frame to the left (rear of car) in fieroaddicted's pic, before trying to loosen the bolts without removing the rear bumper. I recommend days before.

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 09-04-2014).]

just got home from work gonna give it a shot now. will let u know how it goes. thanks guys.

I have used a faucet wrench with great results. You remove the rear facia (an easy 20 minute job) then go into each frame, hold the nut with the one way faucet wrench, and turn the bolts from below, preferably with an impact wrench. Works every time but just make sure that you have a support jack under the cradle.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Powerlog manifold, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
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87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
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