Hello All!
I have a 1998 Cherokee and I am in the process of replacing the leaf springs and I am unable to achieve torque on the frame bolt because the nut is stripped from excessive rusting. My question is can I cut a hole in the frame across from the bolt end with a torch just big enough to place a nut on the bolt? My fear is that cutting the inch hole will damage the frame from heat stress? Is this a common practice when these frame nuts strip?
Thank you
Brian k

 

Its not stripped the bolt is tac welded in the frame and the weld came loose, cut a notch in the frame right under the nut, fold the tab down, wrench the nut out, install new bolt and nut, fold tab up, weld tab.

 

i have a 99 had to follow the steps diesel provided to get it back together except the welds broke as i was removing the bolts so i had to do a lot of saw-zaw-ing and torching

 

Another option for getting to that nut inside the frame is to cut through the floor so you don't damage the frame at all. That is what I did with mine. If you'd like info, just ask.

 

Moved to tech, not a fab thread...

 

Thanks guys! These posts were of great help!
Brian

 

I had a stripped thread on the nut strip. I pulled the rear bumper off, replaced the nut strip, greased all the holes up and can now thread all bolts by hand until tight.

Its a bit of work releasing some of the bumper bolts (stock) and then drill out the two rivest, but I would think it would be easier than cutting holes into your frame.

Just an opinion of course, but this wasn't too bad. Just another option for you. Good luck