I am replacing the large bushings where the front sway bar meets the frame on my 2005 F150 XLT. Despite using penetrating oil and trying to clean the threads with a wire brush before removing the nuts that secure the U-bracket to the frame bolts, I managed to mess up the threads on the bolt about halfway down. As a result, every time I try to loosen the nut, it binds up and eventually becomes impossible to move. It looks like I'll have to cut it off. (Haven't done so yet...)

From what I can tell, the bolt is simply a hex bolt that drops down through a hole in the frame. Except in the Ford Parts Direct listing (where a single nut and bolt list for about $20!) I cannot find this nut/bolt set for sale anywhere.

My question: can I just use any grade 8.8 bolt of similar size to replace the stripped one? Is there anything special about these that isn't immediately apparent?

Thanks!

 

Before cutting it off, try using a large set of vice grips and grab on to that sucker, then use a long pipe on the vice grip.

An alternative is to get a junk socket, and weld it on.

 

Thanks, ManualF150, but I think I wasn't clear... the stripped threads are on the bolt. I'm able to get a good grab on the nut with a socket, that's not the problem.

The problem is that, when backing the nut down the bolt, it binds up about halfway down, whether I'm using a ratchet with a breaker bar or the impact wrench. The threads on the bolt are messed up, I think. I don't see the nut coming off the bolt no matter what...

I thought about trying to run a die up the bolt to try to fix the threads, but (a) I'm not what size/thread count of die is needed and (b) I'm not sure there's even room for it to fit, due to the proximity of the bracket.

That's why I'm thinking cutting it is the way to go.Even if I can get the nut off (doubtful), I will still need a new bolt. So to the original question: is there anything special about the nut and bolt, or would a similar sized 8.8 bolt work?

 

No there isn't.

It's just a medium grade carbon steel bolt; just make sure it is 8.8 grade. Use appropriate locking hardware if necessary, such as a split or star washer, unless it was a fender washer previously.

 

Awesome. Thank so much!

 

I think I would use an impact wrench to unscrew the nut and see if a nut would go back on afterwards. If not, a new bolt would be next.

 

An angle grinder with a cut-off wheel should do the job.

 

I did use an impact, and it bound up with that, too. I was able to tighten up up again (so I can use my truck), but I don't think the nut is coming off that bolt...

 

I think that's what I'll try. There might be enough room to get my Sawzall in there, but a grinder would probably be easier.

 

Try a nut splitter.

 

Anybody ever have any luck with one of these? I've tried SEVERAL of these, several times and they were so soft that the chisel flattened out instead of splitting the nut. Even on standard grade nut and bolt, the splitters were useless.

 

Just use a Sawzall with a quality metal blade... will cut it right off.