Spun "nuts" in the frame.

[Nimrod57]

This is the first time I've logged into the new format and it's pretty nice.

I have a YJ with at least 2 "nuts" that hold the Trans skid plate on that have spun, (broken the crappy welds that held them), so I can't remove the skid plate.

I have seen a few fixes and I was wondering what the group has to offer for the best, (easiest), fix.

My friend had all 6 spin and cut windows in the frame and welded the "nuts" fast, then rewelded the windows closed. My least desirable choice.

I think LEVE sent me a picture of a weld around the nut from the bottom side of the frame, but they are pretty rusted out and I dont think that the area around the nuts is up for welding.

A local 4 X 4 shop told me that they plasma cut holes where the nuts were and weld a plate, (around 1/8" thick), that has the proper nuts welded to it in the right locations, on to the bottom of the frame rail.

Someone else said that they cut a slot into the frame and slid a rectangle of steel that had a drilled and tapped hole in it so it wouldn't spim.

So many ways to remedy the problem.

Has anyone "gone there, and done that" and has some advice?

Thanks,

Mike

[Saddle Tramp]

I have drilled holes in the side of the frame with a hole saw and then tack welded the nuts down as needed. You can then use the piece from the hole saw to use with frame repair. That's just what I have done.

Kriss

[RRich]

All those "cures" are alot of work - holes cut, even when welded up afterwards weakens the integrity of the frame.
But it's a common occurance.

First cut off - grind, torch etc - the bolt heads so you can drop the crossmember or whatever it is.

Knock the piece up inside the frame so you have a hole there.

When you want to put it back - simply tack weld or even JB Weld a hunk of weld rod to the head of the new bolt you want to use.
Simply fish the new bolt through one of the existing holes in the frame - even if it's several feet away - there are a bunch of them - till the end of the bolt sticks through the hole where you want it. Put the skud plate in position and put a nut on the bolt.
When you tighten it, the bolt head is tightening against the rough surface where the weldnut was - it doesn't turn.
It's easier to fish a bolt through than a nut, but that's possible too.

Easy, simple, fast.