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Lowering problem

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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 08:17 PM
  #1  
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Default Lowering problem

Well, I attempted my first real "mod" since I got the car, lowering on stock bolts. It took me about 15 minutes to do the rear and I drove it around to let it seat and I'm impressed with the results.

Move to the front left and I remove the wheel to get easier access to the 10mm bolt. I put on a 10mm socket after relieving tension on the spring and it just spins. I'm thinking , I take off the socket and whoever had the car stripped the bolt beyond repair.



Does anyone have suggestions besides taking it in and getting a new bolt? I am thinking about smacking a 9mm socket on so I can get it where I need it.

Also, is there an issue if my back is lowered and front is not as far as driving it here and there?

Thanks for any advice.

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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 08:49 PM
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Are you sure it's stripped, once you take the weight off, it spins pretty freely.

Also, there should not be an issue of driving the car like that but at high speeds you could have a major problem.

Originally Posted by my02cents
Well, I attempted my first real "mod" since I got the car, lowering on stock bolts. It took me about 15 minutes to do the rear and I drove it around to let it seat and I'm impressed with the results.

Move to the front left and I remove the wheel to get easier access to the 10mm bolt. I put on a 10mm socket after relieving tension on the spring and it just spins. I'm thinking , I take off the socket and whoever had the car stripped the bolt beyond repair.



Does anyone have suggestions besides taking it in and getting a new bolt? I am thinking about smacking a 9mm socket on so I can get it where I need it.

Also, is there an issue if my back is lowered and front is not as far as driving it here and there?

Thanks for any advice.

Reply
Old Apr 11, 2011 | 07:19 AM
  #3  
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Well it's not stripped, as in the threads... but the head of the bolt where you would put your 10mm is rounded/chewed beyond repair.

Since the bolt threads through the spring, that doesn't make it real easy to drill out/get out.

Thanks for the info!
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 11:04 AM
  #4  
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VICE GRIPS might work, but that's probably what a previous owner used and you're now living with the consequences.

Weld a nut to the top...
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Old Apr 11, 2011 | 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by hotwheels57
VICE GRIPS might work, but that's probably what a previous owner used and you're now living with the consequences.

Weld a nut to the top...

I'd be VERY leery of welding a nut to the stock bolt. Excess heat, and/or sparks from the welding could wreck the spring....



You're working with a bolt that possibly has been in place for 9 years, subject to water, etc. PB Blaster and patience are your friends.
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Old Apr 12, 2011 | 09:11 AM
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I pounded a 9mm socket on the bolt, released the tension on the leaf spring and turned no issue. (I did use WD to loosen over night, maybe I need a can of PB Blaster).

The right side was no problem, doesn't look like it was ever messed with.

Thanks for everyone's help!

p.s. I did remove the shock on the trouble side.
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