So I am prepping to install JCR bumpers and a bunch of other stuff so I have begun the process of prepping and removing stuff. First to go is the factory hitch. After 12 years of Michigan winters she is mighty ornery. I tried penetrating oil, impact wrench, etc. it's not budging. I am guessing that a torch or grinder might be my next step. Any secrets to removing these?

 

If you don't plan to put it back on or reuse the nut strip use a grinder to cut the heads off the bolts.

 

heat heat heat heat heat. You dont need much. If you remove the rear bumper, you might be able to get into the sub frame and get the torch right on some of the nut strip. I dont even bother using WD-40 or PB anymore. You have to be REAL careful though as your gas tank is right there. One stray spark from a cut off wheel and bye bye. if you have any blankets or anything like that, tape it up around your tank while your working on each side.

 

my gas tank has been coated in sparks from a grinder, and I'm still here you'd catch the blanket on fire before the gas ignites/explodes.

 

As long as you don't have a leak you should be good. Never hurts to be overly careful though. It's never fun having a vehicle catch on fire, while junking my parts xj a friend of mine cut the return fuel line with a torch, drivers seat and rear bench seat were burnt to a crisp, thankfully it didn't explode.

 

Just because it didn't catch fire last time doesn't mean it still can't happen.
BTW, I don't think he means a blanket off your bed. He means a welding blanket...
Robert

 

Yeah sorry, didnt specify. at least a thick packing blanket. That's what i use. I know it won't blow up but its a simple way to be safe and not sorry.

 

remove bumper spray pb blast on threada thru hole or remove gas tank the heat a couple of extra hours now better than 6 months in rehab be smart

 

That's pretty much the approach i am taking. Blanket blocking the tank and a grinder on the bolts. I ordered new nuts trips from JCR.

 

Pb blast and a big breaker bar. Or cut the heads off the bolts. If u get it off in one pice and not looking to reuse it, I am looking for a ceap but still good hitch.

 

Where r u located, I have two hitches laying around the shop I could sell for cheap.

 

Dearborn mi 48124

 

Not a problem. I think I have made a mistake at least once before. LOL

 

I went through this ordeal last week: funny story. The bolt heads on mine were 13/16" and due to being behind a small lip at the end of the frame rail, an offset wrench was needed to hold them. I didn't have one with an offset, and got impatient and complacent so I decided to stick an open end wrench in there to try and hold it... bad idea. Wrench slipped of and fell all the way down the frame next to the muffler. A magnet taped to 2 clothes hangers and about 2 hours of "fishing" later, I got it out.

Then I just cut the damned bolts off.

 

Oh man that sucks. That's why I never mess around went its a possibility to drop something in the subframe. I had to cut two holes under my front seats to get new nuts in for my t-case drop after drilling out the bolt holes. Ended up using needle nose vice grips to lower the bolt in to make sure I didn't lose it lol