Swapping LCAs, bolt in frame just spins inside nut...

[Larry Hampton]

The nut in the frame seems stripped. The bolt isn't frozen to the inner sleeve. The bolt won't back out, the ball joint is shot. I've tried to get something behind the head but to no avail. I tried to use a punch thru the hole in the frame but that didn't work either. I could try and cut the bolt on the back side of the LCA to get it out, but then I still have to get the other piece out. Also I'll need to be able to put a new bolt it so that probably means removing the existing nut as it's probably stripped out.

[eurotiva]

It's a square nut, with sheet metal folded around it to keep it in place. I had luck holding mine with a prybar wedged in just right.

[GenevaDirt]

You can cut the head off and push it through. There is a little room in there so you can get the so called cage off the nut. Then you can use your finger to hold a nut in place while you thread a new bolt through. I have had to do that a couple of times but it has been a bunch of years since I had to do it so my memory is fuzzy on all the details.

[Larry Hampton]

Ahhh, so I was feeling the cage not spinning. Probably in the past someone used an impact on it and spread the cage.

And it sounds like the order you two gave is the order I need to attack it in. Try a prybar first to sort of bend the cage back and if not, push it out.

[koRnhead]

Just cut the thing in half. And find a new bolt and nylock nut. Easiest and best thing to do.

[Larry Hampton]

Not if I don't have to. The hole is pretty small.

[koRnhead]

A sawzall fits between the control arm and the body. Its much easier to do that way. But to each his own....plus makes it easier to replace in the future.

[scitzz]

It's a square nut, with sheet metal folded around it to keep it in place. I had luck holding mine with a prybar wedged in just right.

Yup.

I am facing the same issue... again. Going to cut the head of the bolt off. Push through. Spread cage, go stainless bolt/nut.

Running around outside the asylum again with my tappy talky appy

[Larry Hampton]

Ended up cutting it out. Cage was too broke up. Started raining when I got back from NAPA with the replacement bolts and nuts, so maybe tomorrow night.

[defprun]

Had to grind the head off of a bolt on the Aspire because of the same problem...but I have the luxury of not having to fix it...

Sent from the trash can.

[defprun]

And now trying to get the nut back in there is driving me up the wall with my sausage fingers!!! Aaaaarrrrgghh!!

Sent from the trash can.

[koRnhead]

It helps if you use a couple wabble extensions in line to get up in there.......

[Larry Hampton]

I'm planning on using a piece of pipe to kind of flare the front edge of the hole in the bottom of the frame rail down and the back up. Use a piece of tape over the open end of your socket then jam the nut in there. The tape keeps it from falling out of the socket as well as from sliding deeper into the socket.

But I've got to wait for it to stop raining...

[Gomez]

Cut the frame down below where the nut is starting at the hole moving forward on both sides. Get the nut out, then weld a new nut in place. Weld the frame back up and you are now stronger than before.

[scitzz]

But I've got to wait for it to stop raining...

I hate rain! I am stuck working out of doors as well. Sux.