Rear shackle to frame bolts, how do you get in the frame?

**Blthomas** · 02-19-2009, 11:37 AM

I'm trying to mount tow hooks in the rear as required.

I got the simple 10$ jobber from Auto Zone.

The bolt holes line up perfect with the leaf spring shackle mounts on the frame.

When I tried to loosen the bolts, they just break loose then spin in place.

Guessing instead of a captured nut, it's just a free spinning nut inside the frame?

How do you guys get in there to hold the nut?

I could cut the old bolt off and just push it out of the way, but I have no clue except maybe putting a big hole in the frame to reach in, then plate over it.

That seems extreme to me.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

**Coiz** · 02-19-2009, 01:07 PM

Those are supposed to be captured/welded nuts inside the frame. I don't think there is a way to get to them without cutting off the rear cross member or do as you suggested. Will the tow hooks bolt to the bottom of the hanger without interfering with the shackle movement during flex?

**jeepskate** · 02-19-2009, 01:31 PM

The weld nuts simply broke loose...you are dealing with 30 year old metal & corrosion. You can go through the rear crossmember with a hole saw to gain access and leave it open for cleaning out the frame. That said, I would *NOT* combine the tow hooks with the shackle hangers like that...you're just asking for trouble. You're putting a pulling force on a single shear mount that wasn't designed for the stress that's also holding your suspension in place.

Fjguercio · 02-19-2009, 04:16 PM

To repair could weld two nuts to a flate heavy plate 1.5x4" or so and use like an over sized washer. That would keep them from spinning and add strenght too. I would use grade 5 or 8 nuts.

**Mike Romain** · 02-19-2009, 04:43 PM

That means tailpiece rot that needs to be addressed before it dissolves the frame tails and the shackles fall off like happened on my last frame. My 'new' frame had holes cut in the rear crossmember to match the centers of the frame so those nuts can be accessed. I then filled the insides of the frame box with a cold galvanizing compound.

**Blthomas** · 02-19-2009, 08:26 PM

thanks for the help guys.

I went no further, I was trying to mount that tow hook for a upcoming trailride. I have no rear bumper or recovery points.

I bolted it next to the shackle in the rear crossmember.

I need to start fabbing my rear bumper soon.

After this trailride, I plan on opening up the frame, a hole saw is a excellant idea, and installing some new hardware back there.

Flat bar and welding nuts sounds like the way to go.

Thanks