Tongue jack bolts rusted

[dickmfield]

My tongue jack died - gears stripped etc and I've bought a replacement. There's no way the bolts on the 99 Safari will budge. ( The instructions say to remove the bolts and save them for installing new jack - get serious)

Should I just cut the heads off and buy new bolts? Do I drill new holes or try to drill out the old bolts? Thanks

[PA BAMBI II]

You need to soak them in penetrating oil to let it seep into the threads or use Mr. Hot Wrench. Find someone who can heat them with a torch. Heat generally trumps rusty threads.

[idroba]

Soak in PB Blaster penetrating oil for about 3 days. Try it. If they don't break loose, use the heat method. Don't cut the heads off, they thread into the coupler head and you would have to drill them out and put nuts on the bottom, which for the front one is virtually impossible as the jack post is in the way.

[dirigible25]

My suggestions mimic those already given, first the penetraing fluids, and if that doesn't work, try heat. Cut them out as a last resort. At any rate, once they are removed I would replace them with a good grade/quality bolt, stay away from cheap hardware, it will only cause you grief down the road (and probably at the most inconvienent time).

[dickmfield]

Thanks for the advice - I'll forgo the cutting and use some oil and patience, and then heat.

[dickmfield]

To close out this thread: I took the advice and soaked with PB Blaster and used heat -- and got two of the three bolts out. Got a little impatient with the third and broke it off. Was able to drill it out and rethread the hole -- put on new bolts and the new jack is in place and working. Thanks once more for the advice - it is the first time I've asked but it's amazing the wealth of knowledge freely given.

[pmclemore]

We all love to hear of happy endings.

Welcome and keep us posted about your adventures.

Pat

[idroba]

Yes, it is very nice to hear the rest of the story, and that it was successful.