Steering box bolt removal

[chino1969]

I bought a steering box skid plate and am having a hard time removing the bottom bolt to install the skid. Squirted Kroil on the threads over several days. I first tried a socket wrench with no success. Tried an impact gun with no success. It is a hardened bolt but I don't want to risk snapping the head off by using a breaker bar. Thought about using heat carefully but don't want to go any further until I hear from someone who has done this successfully or has info. Thanks in advance.

 

[toximus]

Post up a picture of the bolt.

 

[Flivver250]

The joys of living in the rust belt. Heat and penetrating oil are the usual options. If the penetrant has soaked a few days, try minute increments of tightening and loosening. Back and forth, back and forth. You may be able to work it out.

 

[hosejockey61]

OMG I hate hearing the stories of rust belt issues. After hearing most of the stories I would probably give up on Jeeping rather than deal with the shit you guys do. I'm thinking to myself, " just get a breaker bar and remove it" without realizing the consequences of living there.

I feel for you guys!

 

[chino1969]

Post up a picture of the bolt.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...DBD4A7BFAA953C001D60DBD&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

 

[chino1969]

OMG I hate hearing the stories of rust belt issues. After hearing most of the stories I would probably give up on Jeeping rather than deal with the shit you guys do. I'm thinking to myself, " just get a breaker bar and remove it" without realizing the consequences of living there.

I feel for you guys!

The thing is the threads that protrude on the inboard side of the steering box are clean; no rust.

 

[hosejockey61]

Then I would probably go with the breaker bar.

 

[Steel City 06]

I would just use the biggest impact wrench I could find. Milwaukee makes a 1400 ft-lbs one. Less chance of rounding it off than a breaker bar. It'll either remove it or snap it. Either way, it'll come out.

 

[mrblaine]

The thing is the threads that protrude on the inboard side of the steering box are clean; no rust.

Take a 3 lb shop hammer and smack the shit out of the head like you're trying to drive it through the frame. If that doesn't loosen it after the Kroil, it won't be coming out nice so get after it with a cheater and a 6 point socket.

 

[hosejockey61]

Take a 3 lb shop hammer and smack the shit out of the head like you're trying to drive it through the frame. If that doesn't loosen it after the Kroil, it won't be coming out nice so get after it with a cheater and a 6 point socket.

We do the same thing to stuck fire hydrant caps. Smack the cap stem with a sledgehammer and the loosen right up.

 

[chino1969]

Take a 3 lb shop hammer and smack the shit out of the head like you're trying to drive it through the frame. If that doesn't loosen it after the Kroil, it won't be coming out nice so get after it with a cheater and a 6 point socket.

Thanks. I did smack the head but not hard enough; will try again with more ass. I would have thought the 1/2" impact gun would have loosened it but no joy. I know it is a hardened bolt, I just don't want to shear the head off.

 

[HYRYSC]

OMG I hate hearing the stories of rust belt issues. After hearing most of the stories I would probably give up on Jeeping rather than deal with the shit you guys do. I'm thinking to myself, " just get a breaker bar and remove it" without realizing the consequences of living there.

I feel for you guys!

Naw, it ain't that bad in most places around here. Definitely not bad enough to give up Jeeping! I used to live up North and it was a bit worse, but some of the crap that they put on the roads can do a number if not dealt with.

 

[chino1969]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Finally got the bastard loose. Hit the head with a maul as suggested by Mr. Blaine, re-applied Kroil and allowed to sit overnight. Used 1/2" socket wrench with 5/8" socket and felt it come loose. A bit more Kroil and walked it out. Thanks again guys.