Frame/shackle/steering box question...need help

[clarythedrill]

hey,

i am installing a lift, and i have noticed that the bracket that bolts to the frame, that the shackle then bolts to, is bent downward. this is causing the jeep to be slightly taller on the left front side. the bolts that hold it to the frame, and also hold the steering box support brackets to the frame, do not have captured nuts, so i cant remove them or the support brackets, because the frame is boxed in that area and i cant get a socket or wrench onto it to remove the bolts. does anyone have any advice for me? i could cut the bolts off, but how would i get more nuts into the frame to put the bolts into? i am also replacing the steering box, so even if i could live with the left front being an inch or so higher, i cant even remove the gear box. PLEASE help. thanks.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

you may have to cut a "window" into the frame to get to the nut from the side. When you go to reinstall it buy some grade 8 flanged nuts, bolt up the new box then weld the flage nuts to the inside of the frame. once its all done reweld the window back on. I would also look at replacing the hangers with HD nonstock hangers.I like the one the guy from Crabtreetools.com sells. Make sure your Window is big enough to have room for the wrench and tip of the welder. its best to make just one big hole instead of a few small one

 

[clarythedrill]

hey,

i was able to fish the three bolts through an elongated hole in the frame that is about 4 inches from the three holes in question. i used a piece of coat hanger and some string to fish them through the frame and down into each hole.

now my next project is getting a stripped bolt out of the Transfer Case support bracket. i will have to twist it into and then a guess drill a new hole in the frame and bracket and fish another bolt through there.