RE 3.5" - Need help
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10
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From: Utah
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I cannot seem to remove the front bolt holding the leafs on. It is only spinning free it seems now. I cannot grab the other side of it. Ideas please?

1996 Cherokee Sport 4.0

1996 Cherokee Sport 4.0
Last edited by chronzer; Oct 1, 2011 at 02:09 PM. Reason: Add
Same thing happened to me. What I did was cut the bolt out since it was fused in with the bushing, and bought new bolt and nut. I cut an access hole under where the nut goes to make it easier. Does that make sense, or I can take pictures of where I cut.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10
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From: Utah
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I don't have access to the nut, so unless I cut an access hole Aero said, that one isn't really an option.
I was thinking of just cutting the bolt off, sliding the leafs out of the way and going from there. I am open to more ideas, and will keep updating if/when progress is made.
And a picture of that would definitely not Aero, if it's not too much trouble.
I was thinking of just cutting the bolt off, sliding the leafs out of the way and going from there. I am open to more ideas, and will keep updating if/when progress is made.
And a picture of that would definitely not Aero, if it's not too much trouble.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 676
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From: delaware.milton
Year: 1996-1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I-6,4.0-246000+miles
i cut the eye off the spring,an vut into bushing untill i could get to bushing,vice grip it the you should be good,only reason to cut holes is because the weld nut as brolen its weld,
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10
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From: Utah
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So I gave up and had at it with the sawzall. I was able to move the gasket out far enough to cut it from the other side and the rest just punched in with no effort. I'll post any new problems that are sure to arise and pix if I get it done.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: St Louis
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Cut and tried the pitman to no avail. Tried to drill it out and busted the end of the bit off inside. Wrenches are about to start flying. Maybe it's because it's nearly 16 years old, but it seems absolutely everything that could go wrong has so far. I still haven't even bothered drilling out the 4 bolts I broke in the back for the rear shocks...
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,652
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From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by UsmclovesXJ
that is the #1 reason im effen scared to do my 3in lift
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
With some quick thinking, I was able to wedge a crescent wrench under the pitman and push those out. Now I'm just down to the 4 in the back. I've started to drill them out, but I have no more time tonight. It's drivable, at least.


