Tips for Cutting Frame Bolts

[rjs78]

Hope this is an appropriate forum, if not my apologies and requeI for correct one. I recently got an FJ60, from a dealer so I have no PO info. It has a DrawTite underframe receiver that I want to remove. 3 bolts per side, nuts on bottom. I have wirebrushed the exposed threads and oiled up for a week and I can move nuts with a breaker bar from underneath, but cannot get enough room on top to hold the bolt head, which is turning.

I have an air impact wrench (cheap Chinese with HOme Depot Husky compressor kit.) I haven't tried it because I expect the top bolt head to turn while I'm wailing on the nut, and I can't reach to get a wrench in. Am I assuming correctly that the whole bolt will turn?

Same compressor kit came with a 3" wheel air high speed cutter (like a die cutter tool), again probably harbor freight quality. I figure these bolts are a high graade that might laugh at harborfreight cutting discs. Is that true, or would it be possible to use these cutter to cut off the bolt, which would mean going through the whole nut?

Lastly, I have an electric 4-1/2 angle grinder with some cutting wheels. Grinders are chaap, probably not high rpm. Might this be the appropriate approach?

Do any of my ideas sound plausible/doable? Any cutting technique suggestions? Safety - do these cutting wheels shatter?

Many thansk, RJ

 

[Pin_Head]

Either the cut off tool or the angle grinder will make short work of those bolts even if they are high grade steel.

 

[Joe_E]

Yep, grind em off.
Just watch where your spark plume is landing so you don't start a fire.

 

[rjs78]

Yep, grind em off.
Just watch where your spark plume is landing so you don't start a fire.

Thanks guys! I have some room to work the tool, a little tighter on the exhaust side. So just cut right through the nut and bolt, parallel to the flat washer? The cutoff tool is a lot smaller and maneuverable than the angle grinder. I may have working room to cut right on the split lock washer. Do it out side and watch/control the plume, good reminder to prep for from the start.

You guys make it sound straightforward - that's encouraging! Thanks

RJ

 

[brian]

You guys make it sound straightforward - that's encouraging! Thanks

RJ

it is. just don't drop it yourself. they are heavier than you would think they are......more so when you have body parts between it and the ground.

 

[elephantsCBR]

I"m not sure. But, what about removing the bumper...

I don't have mine infront of me, and mine is recesed into bumper for clearence, but what about being able to get access with bumper removed... Just a thought

Thanks
Cody

 

[KLF]

With a decent cutting disk, the nuts will slice off faster than you'd think. Just be sure to wear ample eye protection, gloves, heavy long sleeves, and stay out from under the heavy part when you cut the last bolt. I would keep a big fire extinguisher or even better a charged up garden hose close by, do the job outside if you can. It will make lots of noise, sparks, and stinky smoke.

 

[rjs78]

I"m not sure. But, what about removing the bumper...

I don't have mine infront of me, and mine is recesed into bumper for clearence, but what about being able to get access with bumper removed... Just a thought

Thanks
Cody

Thanks for that idea. I tried that, it would have likely given me the needed access to the hitch bolt tops. Bumper has 12 bolts total and the first carraige (top) bolt already started turning. Disheartening to not get past 1 of 12 bolts.

I would like to remove that bumper sometime, if folks can help me with some tips, I will compile imto a new bumper-specific thread.

Thx

 

[rjs78]

With a decent cutting disk, the nuts will slice off faster than you'd think. Just be sure to wear ample eye protection, gloves, heavy long sleeves, and stay out from under the heavy part when you cut the last bolt. I would keep a big fire extinguisher or even better a charged up garden hose close by, do the job outside if you can. It will make lots of noise, sparks, and stinky smoke.

Thanks, more great tips. I'm going to use a couple of loose replacement bolts in the first few freed holes, that will hold it until all frozen bolts cut.

Looks like I'm stuck with harbor freight discs, home depot here doesnt have the size i need for an air cutter, tool stores are too far , no time for mail order.

Thx

 

[rusty_tlc]

Instead of cutting all the bolts and trying to dodge the falling hitch you could put some old bolts, screwdrivers, spud tool or whatever through the holes as you remove bolts.

Just a thought.