Stripped Nutserts for Transfer Case Skid

taylormade73

Life in the way
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Let me start off by saying I have a clean rust-free frame and have had zero issues the past year removing and replacing bolta and nuts. With that said, I was doing some general maintenance checking torque on CAs and other important suspension components. While I was at it I decided to check the torque on my skid plate bolts since it was removed by the muffler shop for exhaust rework after my TT. I suspected they didn't use or even know the proper torque for various TJ bolts. So, I set the torque wrench to 55 ft lbs. and went around the 6 bolts. The 3 on passenger side torques fine and the rear driver side also, but the middle and front bolt tightened a little then broke free. I'm like wtf? So I pulled the 2 bolts and threads from the nutserts were wrapped around them. So they either cross-threaded them or overtightened them (would that happen if they did?). I checked and the nutserts are not spinning; the threads are stripped out. Either way they fucked them up. I've had that skid off many times the past year with no issues. So, do I order the nutsert kit from @mrblaine and change the 2 out or all six since im doing it and it's possible they overtorqued all of them with an impact. Wish I had the tools to do exhaust work because all I can hear right now in my head is Blaine saying, "Quit paying people to fuck your shit up." Anyways, I am asking whether to do the 2 or 6, but mostly venting. Thanks for listening.

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Let me start off by saying I have a clean rust-free frame and have had zero issues the past year removing and replacing bolta and nuts. With that said, I was doing some general maintenance checking torque on CAs and other important suspension components. While I was at it I decided to check the torque on my skid plate bolts since it was removed by the muffler shop for exhaust rework after my TT. I suspected they didn't use or even know the proper torque for various TJ bolts. So, I set the torque wrench to 55 ft lbs. and went around the 6 bolts. The 3 on passenger side torques fine and the rear driver side also, but the middle and front bolt tightened a little then broke free. I'm like wtf? So I pulled the 2 bolts and threads from the nutserts were wrapped around them. So they either cross-threaded them or overtightened them (would that happen if they did?). I checked and the nutserts are not spinning; the threads are stripped out. Either way they fucked them up. I've had that skid off many times the past year with no issues. So, do I order the nutsert kit from @mrblaine and change the 2 out or all six since im doing it and it's possible they overtorqued all of them with an impact. Wish I had the tools to do exhaust work because all I can hear right now in my head is Blaine saying, "Quit paying people to fuck your shit up." Anyways, I am asking whether to do the 2 or 6, but mostly venting. Thanks for listening.

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This is one of those rare times where my business will conflict with my opinion. I don't ever see the value in replacing just one or two if you have issues. I always replace all 6 unless it is one of those where my helper just stripped one of the 6 we just installed. Just my OCD way of doing things. Please don't order 6 singles. Order the 6 pack.
 
This is one of those rare times where my business will conflict with my opinion. I don't ever see the value in replacing just one or two if you have issues. I always replace all 6 unless it is one of those where my helper just stripped one of the 6 we just installed. Just my OCD way of doing things. Please don't order 6 singles. Order the 6 pack.
Thank you. Ordering now.
 
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This is one of those rare times where my business will conflict with my opinion. I don't ever see the value in replacing just one or two if you have issues. I always replace all 6 unless it is one of those where my helper just stripped one of the 6 we just installed. Just my OCD way of doing things. Please don't order 6 singles. Order the 6 pack.
What's the best way to remove nutserts that are still firmly attached to the frame without jacking up the hole and rendering it unusable for the new nutsert?
 
Nutserts arrived today.

1. Make DIY nutsert tool
http://www.justaddrocks.com/Nutsert_Instructions.htm2. Grind down nutsert flanges
3. Punch though nutsert barrels and fish out with magnet
4. Insert nutsert with tool and torque to 50 ft lbs.
5. Paint frame and nutsert area.

Worked like a charm; stripped nutsert problem solved. Thank you @mrblaine

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I have two nutserts that won't tighten. I need to order six from Black Magic. I missed how you made your insert tool and can I find it on this forum?
Those were good pictures of your repair.
 
Tack welding helps if all the rest (unlikely) is in good shape. But has to be pretty rust free.
 
Tack welding helps if all the rest (unlikely) is in good shape. But has to be pretty rust free.
Unlike the OEM version of these nutserts, these are zinc plated. It isn't that great to weld on zinc and grinding off to weld sorta defeats the purpose of the plating. They are the exact same nutsert, the OEM just doesn't zinc plate theirs.
 
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You mean tack welding the new nutsert in rather than using the tool?
No. A tack weld on original if threads and such are in good shape and the nutsert is just loose. Any replacement should be installed correctly. Welding to rust won't hold. Has to be a nutsert in overall good shape, just loose in the frame. Never grind off a protective coating when rust is the biggest concern.
Again...a tack weld on an original installed nutsert on a clean and rust free frame. Not, repeat, NOT when installing a new nutsert!
 
No. A tack weld on original if threads and such are in good shape and the nutsert is just loose. Any replacement should be installed correctly. Welding to rust won't hold. Has to be a nutsert in overall good shape, just loose in the frame. Never grind off a protective coating when rust is the biggest concern.
Again...a tack weld on an original installed nutsert on a clean and rust free frame. Not, repeat, NOT when installing a new nutsert!
Got it. My frame was just fine. Nutsert threads were stripped out from the muffler shop over tightening them or crossthreading them. It was held firm to the frame and not like most others with issues of spinning inside the frame. So i had to replace them. 😔
 
Better to get it right. No matter what it takes. Sometimes it's a cheap easy fix and sometimes it's new parts. Either way, always try and get it right.