help with shocks
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New User
Joined: Aug 2006
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help with shocks
im replacing all of the shocks on my 96 ford ranger. so far ive broken 3 bolts. both of the lower connecting bolts in the rear (which were easy to replace), and now the lower bolt in the front. i dont know what to do. i have a replacement piece but i cannot seam to get the bolt out of the "frame." the new peice bolts right to the "frame" with a nut. the peice that is broken and stuck to it does not have a nut and is attached some how. has this happened to anyone else??? how should i get the bolt out??
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Maine
Happened to me, too.
I cut the broken stud flush on the front with an electric grinder. Then, using progressively larger drill bits, drilling from the front, and lots of oil, drilled it out to 5/8" and bolted it with a grade 8 bolt.
I cut the broken stud flush on the front with an electric grinder. Then, using progressively larger drill bits, drilling from the front, and lots of oil, drilled it out to 5/8" and bolted it with a grade 8 bolt.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I'm not positive as I've never done it, BUT I know others on here have (you live in the north don't ya?). They'll chime in as the evening rush of people gets on. Sorry I can't be of more help. Welcome to FTE though!
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Listen to john122deere,
He's got it exactly right, it's the simplest way and it happened to me too. Use cutting oil or WD40 as you drill, it'll go much faster. NAPA had a shock replacement bolt kit and all I had to add was a locknut (after a couple loose shock incidents). Those front shock lower bolts oughta be anti-seized or loc-tited from the factory.
-Alto
He's got it exactly right, it's the simplest way and it happened to me too. Use cutting oil or WD40 as you drill, it'll go much faster. NAPA had a shock replacement bolt kit and all I had to add was a locknut (after a couple loose shock incidents). Those front shock lower bolts oughta be anti-seized or loc-tited from the factory.
-Alto
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Maine
Actually, I understand the newer ones they did it even better than that- the bottom is held on with a bolt rather than a stud, so you take it out and can replace it every time you replace the shocks.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
Also, use a good hard drill bit to remove the broken bolt. You don't want any more complications. You can get cobalt bits off the rack at Lowes which will drill through pretty much anything. Slower drill speeds will work better.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Sorry about my post it was the same time as john112deere's.
When you use WD-40, remember to keep it going, don't spray it once and not do it again, as it drills in, spray some more, continue until you're through. Use the smallest drill bit you safely can at first, then work up from there.
When you use WD-40, remember to keep it going, don't spray it once and not do it again, as it drills in, spray some more, continue until you're through. Use the smallest drill bit you safely can at first, then work up from there.
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thank you guys very much. i dont know about this 2.3 ranger. terrible spark plug locations, broken bolts. who knows whats next..... should probably fix that airbag light. anyway thanks alot ill try drilling it out and if i can get a grinder i will grind the front of it off. oh ya.... minnesota winters sure are a b***h to your truck.