Battery hold-down bolts

[91Pioneer]

So I bought a new battery for my MJ, and decided I should remove the battery tray and clean things up... turns out that was a bad idea because 2 of the 3 bolts in the tray broke off. I even sprayed penetrant and left it for a couple hours before trying to loosen them by hand with a breaker bar.

 

So I got to looking at the body-side bolts and it seems they're pressed in from underneath, like massive rivets or something. I'm leaning toward just re-installing with the one good bolt and saying "good enough".

 

One of my T-bolts on the hold-down is also broke off (it was like that when I got the truck). I would feel better if I could ensure the battery won't bump around and short anything. After all it's a brand new battery ;)

 

Your thoughts? Should I try drilling out even one of those "bolts" to get a second bolt installed?

 

p.s. Where can I buy a replacement long T-bolt?

[wvzj]

I would try drilling it out and replacing them. Here is a link to some battery parts and the j bolts

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/battery-trays-cables-clamps/jeep-cherokee-xj.htm

[91Pioneer]

I took a closer look at things. Yeah as long as I can drill out one of those broken off "bolts", I'll just JB weld a new bolt in it's place and move on. It would be nice to have things stay in place LOL

[Eagle]

I'm leaning toward just re-installing with the one good bolt and saying "good enough".

In this case, "good enough" is not good enough.

 

Your thoughts? Should I try drilling out even one of those "bolts" to get a second bolt installed?

 

Yes, definitely.

[91Pioneer]

I just drilled a new hole beside the broken-off bolt and used a thick self-tapping metal screw in there. It's sturdy as can be now. I'll hit up the junkyard for a T-bolt (no sense in buying new) next time I'm there. My truck starts much better now, what with not needing to boost it every time LOL