Went to install hitch...problem. Help!

Volley said:

Hi all,

I've been lurking around since I bought my FJ back in Feb. but haven's posted much as I am still learning this vehicle.

Anyway, I went to install my Hidden Hitch today and I crawl under to remove the tow hook (it is reinstalled w/ new hardware) and 1 of the bolts that attach the hook seems to have a broken weld or something! The bolt just spins can't be removed or tightened. Anyone know how I can get this bolt off!? Sorry if this seems like a noob question. I thought maybe to torch it off, but of course I don't have a torch. Am I in more trouble than I think here?

Thanks!
Volley

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If everything else fails, let the dealership deal with it. That is a pickle though.

i don't know what tow hook you are refering to, but it sounds like there might be a nut on the other side of the bolt you need to secure

mbarroso12 said:

i don't know what tow hook you are refering to, but it sounds like there might be a nut on the other side of the bolt you need to secure

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On the rear driver side of the frame, there is a tow loop mounted (unless you have a reese or aftermarket style hitch upon which they removed it). He is trying to get it off and the nut that should be welded to the inside of the frame has broken loose.

Can you take some pics of the tow hook you are talking about? That would help a lot, cuz we have no idea what part you re talking about.

Can you do it with a hacksaw. If not, is there enough room between the underside of the bolt head and the frame to get a cold chisel in there. Then do you have enough room to swing a big hammer ? Lots of questions. :wave:
Would be a lot easier if you had a cutting torch.

Well in that case, you might have to remove the bumper to get access to the back of the chassis. Then unbolt it from the back of the frame rails.:bigthumb:

May be you could use a stubby open end wrench close end tie to a wire hanger open end first through the opening on the frame and push it in to the bolt that is spinning and hope it will catch once it catches little turn would push the hanle against the frame and hopefully work good luck.

I am pretty sure that is what he is referring to. Maybe if there is enough room, you could slide the blade of a hacksaw between the took loop and the frame and saw through the bolt. However, if you need that welded nut to attach the tow hitch, you may have another problem on your hands.

NDA431FJ said:

He must be referring to this tow hook (circled red). So he is installing an aftermarket hitch.

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How about a cutoff tool-IE a grinder with a metal cutting wheel. Tim

timbo2 said:

How about a cutoff tool-IE a grinder with a metal cutting wheel. Tim

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Not all of us are ballers like you Tim and can afford these fancy cutting wheels you speak of.:lol:

I use my hacksaw on everything, haha.

layonnn said:

Not all of us are ballers like you Tim and can afford these fancy cutting wheels you speak of.:lol:

I use my hacksaw on everything, haha.

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Love my Roto-Zip!!!!:bigthumb: Tim

NDA431FJ said:

He must be referring to this tow hook (circled red). So he is installing an aftermarket hitch.

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Yep that be the one! I could probably hacksaw it off as there is just a slight space in between the bracket and the bolt. The instructions for the new hitch though does require the use of the nut...it is one of 4 mounting points used to attach...sigh

A little Grinder.. $20 from FF.. Ron

Volley said:

Hi all,

I've been lurking around since I bought my FJ back in Feb. but haven's posted much as I am still learning this vehicle.

Anyway, I went to install my Hidden Hitch today and I crawl under to remove the tow hook (it is reinstalled w/ new hardware) and 1 of the bolts that attach the hook seems to have a broken weld or something! The bolt just spins can't be removed or tightened. Anyone know how I can get this bolt off!? Sorry if this seems like a noob question. I thought maybe to torch it off, but of course I don't have a torch. Am I in more trouble than I think here?

Thanks!
Volley

Click to expand...

I hate to revive an old thread, but this happened to me yesterday...twice! I was installing my ARB hitch and rear bumper and I had one weld break inside the frame where the factory tow hook bolted and one on the opposite side were there were just threaded holes where the hitch bolted too. This sucks. There is no way to hold that nut inside the frame to get the bolt really tight. The thing that pisses me off is that I was only using hand tools not air, so it’s not like I over torqued them. Anyway, the bumper and hitch is on.

Anyway else have this happen beside the original poster? I was thinking of stopping by a Toyota dealership and see what they would do. I know probably nothing as I was installing a aftermarket hitch and bumper, and blame me by over tightening them.