Gearhead41987

I just started installing new shocks in my 96 XJ (then one that I just had the motor replaced in after it grenaded). A simple task, that I have done on MANY vehicles over the years. Or so I thought. The front went on fine, and the new skyjackers looked great. Now for the rear, when I was removing the upper bolts, they all snapped off in the body... And now I'm stuck with no rear shocks, and a horrible drive in to work today.

I'm not sure how to go about repairing this problem...

Idea 1.
Make a steel plate, about 5x4 inches, cut out for the head of the shock in the center, drill holes out, weld the appropriate nuts to the backside to match the shock mount, the drill the old nuts out of the body, big enough that the new ones that are on the plate would take their place, then weld the plate to the body...

Idea 2.
Drill out the center of the old nuts that are welded in, and tap them out with thread tap for a slightly larger bolt.

I need some help here...
ANY suggestions would be appreciated!!!

Kyle

Its a common problem that people have. The way that most fix it is by drilling and tapping like you outlined in option 2. That will be the way to go.

cherokeefamily

This is a solid way to go (and this is what I did.) I welded a new nut to an oversized washer, drilled the old nuts all the way out to a hole size large enough to fit the new nut through and then weld the outside diameter of the washer to the body. This very closely resembles the original mount for the shocks...and from here on out-------use some anti-seize.