So I went to change the filter and fluid on my tranny today. As I got started I found out that 3 of the 6 bolts holding the skid plate were missing. So I continued the job and as I went to put it all back together, 2 of the bolts no longer tighten. Obviously the retainers are a victim of rust damage on the frame ....I guess I am going to have to clean it up and weld some nuts to the frame? I looked up the stock "nutserts" process and it just seems like that is an expensive option that not too many people like. Any other ideas?
Well Medic, This happens to YJ owners too. One option is to drill all the way through the frame, from the bottom through the top of the rail. Then simply get a long enough bolt (or bolts) and a nut & washer (or nuts & washers) to secure your skid plate.
You will have to measure the height of your frame rail and get a bolt(s) about an inch longer. I would use grade 8 bolts, washers & nuts. The drill bit will be the most expensive part of the project.
Good Luck, L.M.
They also make threaded nut inserts you can use if you don't want to drill thru your frame. Little more expensive fix but it works very well. However you decide to fix it use antiseeze on the threads so it will be easier to get off next time.
They will work in steel but not in this application because there isn't enough frame steel to thread the helicoil to...what u have is whole drilled into the frame and a threaded nut welded to the frame....once that weld rusts free the nut just spins..
you can get weld in replacements, thats what i have in mine. had a jeep shop do them after the tranny shop cross threaded all my skidplate bolts and i had to have them cut out.
Weld a flange nut from under the body and call it a day. Just make a google search on flange nut.
But the frame need to be in good shape.
Is you go with a nut set, I would still weld it in place so it does not happen again.
Remember, when we fix something on a jeep, we do not just fix it, we try to make it better.
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