Shoot.... broke rear shock stud

[91Pioneer]

So I soaked down the bolts on the rear studs 2 or 3 days ago with penetrating fluid. Then soaked 'em again yesterday. Went to change the shocks today, totally forgot to heat the bolts up (DOH). Got 3 of the 4 nuts off, then went for the last one and it was stiff. As soon as it sheared off I was like oh damn forgot to heat 'em first.

 

Now fortunately it's the bottom bolt so I have good access. Just debating the best way to fix this? Does the XJ leaf spring plate thing match up with the MJ? I have a welder but don't have access to it at the moment and do not know how to weld.

 

I know I can't cut it off, and put a new bolt in there since it won't have the strength.

 

The good news is most of the stud is there, you can even see one little thread poking out. Argh I hate rust.

 

I just left it as is, I left the old shock in there now. Luckily I don't need to drive anywhere with the truck this week anyway.

 

I'd hate to swap out the whole lower leaf spring bracket thing because of the same issue, rust, but I'm thinking that is the best course of action. Anyone got a right rear one they could sell me? :)

 

[Strokermjcomanche]

Here's a good fix

 

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-31001?seid=srese1&gclid=CNit99_mtsoCFQ8yaQodav0LRw

[Marine1Texas]

If you can't find east replacement, cut the old one off and weld a new bolt on it. I done this before on a older chevy. Just making sure to use a good strong bolt.

 

However I am sure you can get a replacement bracket! http://www.oemautopartsandaccessories.com/catalog/parts/list/system/suspension/g/rear-suspension/s/suspension-components/v/jeep-comanche-1988/vtec/99434/

[91Pioneer]

I stumbled across that Dorman kit afterward. I also found this which looks way better than the dorman kit - I'm going to check with local auto parts stores about these http://www.jegs.com/i/QA1/122/7888-108/10002/-1?parentProductId=756050

 

I don't have access to a welder at the moment and considering I've never welded I'm not sure I want this to be my first project...?

[HOrnbrod]

If you decide to go with a new shock plate, you will have to use one from a late 90-92 MJ. The early 90 and below plates are completely different, and the XJ plates won't work either. See THIS thread.

[91Pioneer]

OK semi-good news. I was stressing slightly so I went to a few auto parts stores in town and one of them did have the Dorman 31001 @ http://amzn.to/1n8qU8A

 

It's hard to tell from the package but once I had the bushings off of it, I think it's *exactly* what I need to do the repair without resorting to welding. The tapered thing beside the washer on the top-right in the pic below is fixed, so I need to cut off the existing stud, drill a hole for that threaded part to fit through (again, top right part of the pic). Tighten it down with red thread locker, that's it.

 

So as long as it works OK the day is saved LOL

 

[91Pioneer]

Woohoo, good news. Long story short I installed the Dorman kit but not in the factory location. It worked fine, I shot a video of the process to help others, I'll post a link back here when the video is edited and uploaded.

 

In the mean time, here's the fix... there is plenty of clearance and the shock is extended maybe 3/8" longer than the factory location. I didn't go for a test drive because I have the brake drums off because I'm going to get them resurfaced tomorrow.

 

[91Pioneer]

Here's the video.

 

https://youtu.be/HaFcFNDck4w

[91Pioneer]

So I changed my front shocks today and guess what? Yeah, broke a bolt! Damn rust. I even remembered to heat the nut before I tried to remove it. Super easy access though to replace the bolt, and it's also a regular bolt & nylon nut so that's even easier (cost me $0.16 at Peavey Mart LOL).

[Eagle]

What did you put in? All the front shocks I can remember installing came with new hardware. When I have reused older shocks on "lower grade" XJs or MJs I generally replace the bolts with new anyway, as a preventive measure, and I use abundant amounts of anti-sieze on the threads.

[91Pioneer]

I installed Gabriel Guardian 81548 in the front. It came with new stuff for the top (bushings, washers & nut), no lower hardware. I didn't use anti-seize, I forgot, I normally would have. I even put some anti seize on the back of the wheel where it contacts the caliper and the center hub bore. I guess I could have replaced all 4 bolts and nuts but meh it worked. It's highly unlikely a bolt would break during normal driving conditions, more likely to break during removal or installation.

[HOrnbrod]

What did you put in? All the front shocks I can remember installing came with new hardware. When I have reused older shocks on "lower grade" XJs or MJs I generally replace the bolts with new anyway, as a preventive measure, and I use abundant amounts of anti-sieze on the threads.

 

I have never seen replacement shocks that came with new lower bolts. Have used several brands too.   :hmm:

[88whitemanche]

 

 

What did you put in? All the front shocks I can remember installing came with new hardware. When I have reused older shocks on "lower grade" XJs or MJs I generally replace the bolts with new anyway, as a preventive measure, and I use abundant amounts of anti-sieze on the threads.

I have never seen replacement shocks that came with new lower bolts. Have used several brands too. :hmm:

X2