Rust bolts on the skid plate
Cadmium plated bolts when you change,
Use 'Never-Seize' on the bolts, and be GENEROUS INSIDE THE 'NUTS'.
That will push a 'Dome' of 'Never-Seize' up on the top of the bolt threads when the threads push through the nut and help slow rust/corrosion.
Dropped skid plates usually aren't required unless you have a TON of lift and have to 'Clock' the transfer case 'Down' to straighten out drive shaft angles.
Can't tell from the picture how much lift or what the drive line angles look like...
Drilling a SMALL hole (like 1/4") next to the frame Nut so you can squirt some penetrating oil or lubricant on the bolt extending through the nut will help get those suckers out.
This is EXTENSIVE, so I'm not trying to sell it as a home game...
You *CAN* drill a hole all the way through the frame,
Weld in tubing to keep the frame from crushing when the bolts tighten,
And use a LONG, but common bolt and nut, so you can get at both sides.
I usually do this when the frame is bare, it's a bit of a pain to weld the top when the body is still on...
It's called a 'Frame Gusset', and it's a VERY good way to do things when you have access to the areas it's needed.
Gussets also help spread the load out, which helps the frame from cracking over the long haul.
Make sure you coat the new bolts with copper anti-seize when install'n the new GD 8 bolts and washers.
LG
That's it, It works great.I think this is what jammer1 is talking about: Amazon.com: flexible pickup tool
Here is a picture:
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I've also used a wire wrapped around a bolt to fish it into a hole. Works pretty good.
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