Once again I turn to the greatest forum on earth for help. Yes, one of my worse fears happened when attempting to drop my cradle. On the rear cradle bolt, I assume there is a nut welded inside the frame rail for the cradle bolt to thread into. Well, I must have cranked on it too hard bcuz I seem to have broke it loose. Now I cannot get the bolt out. I don't see anywhere to access it from the top. Anyone had this happen before? What do I do. I hope I don't have to cut a hole in the side of the frame rail. PLEASE HELP!!

Truly aggrivated,
Kris

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I believe you can get to it by removing the rear bumper assembly and getting it through the frame-rail. To get it apart, you're probably going to have to cut the head of the bolt off.

Matt

[This message has been edited by mattm (edited 06-29-2004).]

I was going to try removing the rear bumper to see if I could get to it. I figured I would consult the great minds of PFF first and save myself un-needed work. + for you.

Kris

remove the rear half of the inner fender and cut an access hole in the side of the frame. Use vise grips on the nut and be patient. If you are freaked out about cutting the frame, you can weld it back up when you are done. I have had open holes on mine for years with no extra rust and no trouble. I think it actually slowed the propogation of rust down by draining the water out of the area. The inner fender covers it completely, so only you will know it's there.

Removing the bumper is a lot of work, but you can go that route if you wish.

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1986 SE 350 V8

There was a post quite awhile back where someone suggested pulling back the trunk carpet and drilling a hole down through the top of the frame rail then dropping a phillips head screw driver in the hole to prevent the diamond shaped nut from turning.

Well, I ended up cutting the hole in the side of the frame rail. Thanks tesmith66. I removed the bumper, but the threaded thingie (it's not a nut, and I don't know what to call it) was too far to reach with anything. I buzzed a hole in the side with a air hack saw (I love air tools) and was able to grab ahold of it with a pair of vice grips. It then came out easily. I then hit the other side with some PB blaster and let it soak for about 45 minutes. That side came out without any problems. BTW PB Blaster works great!! Thanks to everyone that replied to this post. +'s for all.

Kris

When I replaced the cradle in my car one of the "Cage Nuts" actually was spinning around. I stopped this by letting the cradle weight rest on the bolt as I loosened it. Once I got the bolt out I soaked the cage nut and bolt with solvent and let it stand. When I put the cradle back I did the same thing in reverse.

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"When I Die,I Want To Go Peacefully..Not Screaming Like My Grandfathers Passengers"