Hey, I'm getting ready to get new leafs and got to looking, and noticed the previous owner had the hitch welded on and it's in the way of the bolt from coming out!

I can't weld, and I don't want to mess with hitch because I'm using it too much now.
Should I just grind off the nut and bolt and install new in opposite direction? And does the nut need to be tacked on to the bracket?

Apprreciate any advice, here's the picture.

 

had a hitch on every cherokee i have owned (3 thus far) and lifted each. easiest thing to do is just take the nut off, push the bolt out as far as possible and use a grinder and cut off wheel and cut it off.

run to the nearest junkyard and pick up one or a few. at my junkyard there are always people getting axles/shocks/leafs etc so they are just laying around the jeep.

hope it helps

 

I had the same problem but was able to pull the shackle off.

 

had the same problem on my 90, get the bolt off as far as you can and cut it off and replace it. jeep obviously smartened up after this because in my 99 the bolt is facing the oppossite way so it can slide right out.

 

I dont think I would use a hitch that is welded on for very much at all. And do what liftedjeepxj said on the bolt.As far as the hitch you dont even know how well the one that welded it can weld, I would at least drill holes for bolts to hold the hitch like it should be. Remember your responsiable if it lets loose and kills someone.(if your pullin a trailer say)

 

The bolt is an M14 x 2.0 pitch x 120mm long, class 10.9.

When I did my lift I replaced all the bolts but thats just me. NAPA usually has them in stock or a Fastenal.

Spray the front bolt for a week straight with good penetrating oil and it will make life a whole lot easier come swap time. Good luck.

 

I think this would be something that was intalled a long time ago, before the convenience of going down to wal-mart and picking up a bolt on receiver kit...this is a 1987 Jeep ya know. There are 2 additional bolts on the bumper too...

Good advice so far though, Kind of what I was thinking too about just cutting the bolt. So the nut isn't tack-welded or anything to the shackle? Or will it just fall off?

 

It will fall, it is not welded on.

 

remove the upper shackle bolt then you can take the lower out.

 

[QUOTE=trs80;629028]It will fall, it is not welded on.[/QUOT

 

Not helping.

Like others said. Undo the nut and knock the bolt in and cut it. Good luck.

 

What's your problem? He asked if the nut was welded to the shackle. Its not! Next time dont be such an tool.

 

Put in new shackles yesterday, and I have a hitch. Here's how I did it:
1: Remove upper shackle bolt (I consider myself to be a lucky one who's weld-nut didn't break.
2: Remove nut from lower shakle bolt.
3: Using either brute force, or your tire jack, pull leaf to level below the hitch.
4: Slide bolt inwards and out.
5: Install lower bolt opposite to avoid doing this next time.

Good Luck!

 

I think someone took a crap in his cheerios....

Thanks for all the help!

 

Im fine. Besides I dont cardboard circles anyways. Bacon and eggs ftw.

Just funny when (rich) post on the interweb and have no clue what they are talking about. Next time maybe he will read the entire thread rather then adding random posts with no tech advice given.

Anyways good luck on the lift.