I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

charx2 · 06-06-2010, 08:09 PM

Man I hate having no money! I have a bent xmember where the lower a frame connects. So I found a guy who will pull his and drive it to me for $75. I'm going to give him mine because he's selling the whole truck to someone as a donor and they don't need the xmember. So I get at it this weekend. I jack motor up about 1/2" to take support off lower motor mounts and started taking everything off. I got everything disconnected except for the 6 bolts that hold it to the frame. I started on the drivers side and was able to get all of those reasonably easy, but man when I started on the last 3... I can't afford a engine hoist and can't find anyone to rent/borrow one from. He is trying to hurry me up because he says the guy is almost ready to pick it up. Well I'm stuck. I started on the last 3 and can't even get 1 off. It is so awkward and I can't really get good leverage. It also does not help that I have bags and the front have the top brackets installed. I sprayed some wd40 and I'm going to let it sit over night and try to get it tomorrow after work. Here are a few pictures.
This is the dreaded 3 bolts in the middle of the frame. Top side. I hate them!

This is the same bolts only from underneath. They need to be hit at a angle i got the one on the far right loose, but it got stuck with like 1/2" thread remaining. Yet again, complete hatred.

This is the whole reason for replacing xmember, see how the bag leans forward? It will eventually cause it to fail I'm sure.

charx2 · 06-06-2010, 08:11 PM

This is my hoopty setup lol. Btw, notice how the right wheel is all crazy and supported with the 2x4? My neighbor came over and advised me that it would be much easier to take off the upper ball joint and a frame because "it needs to come out anyway". Well I took his advice and managed to strip the ball joint thread and the bolt. It's being help in by a framing nail, I put it back together and decided on my original idea, to drop try to pull out the side with a dolly...

Shyguy · 06-06-2010, 08:19 PM

Yep!!!!!!!! I can understand your situation, I have been out of work for almost a year now.

I normally do most of my work under a shade tree. I have been working on my Dad's garage trying to get enough room so I can do some work in it. He has way too much junk but doesn't want to get rid of any of it.

Good luck.

Danny

GOPAPA · 06-06-2010, 08:21 PM

Can you get a rattle gun in there? Maybe with a universal socket? sounds like chisel maybe hittingon the edge of the nut..if you can get in there of course.. just some other thought ,,hope it helps,

chevyblazer · 06-06-2010, 08:22 PM

that sucks men having oooo money for projects y trew a crossmember to recicler looks like your not going to loosen those bolts yull need a blow torch where do yo live

oldblue1968chevy · 06-06-2010, 08:24 PM

he lives in Alabama good luck bud!

Jwill41 · 06-06-2010, 08:28 PM

chisel or grinder is the only thing I can think of

charx2 · 06-06-2010, 08:36 PM

Yeah, there is no room for a impact, I tried a air rachet but it doesn't have enough a$$ to loosen the bolts. I'm going to try again tomorrow but worse comes to worse, i'll have to just use a small air grinder and cut it off hoping that it will fit. I love working on this truck, it's my first project vehicle and about the only time I get some peace and quite! I'm learning as I go and mostly the hard way lol.

junkyardjohn · 06-06-2010, 09:41 PM

SEEMS LIKE I HAVE BEEN BROKE & LEARNED EVERYTHING THE HARD WAY TOO, FOR ABOUT AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER.

GOOD THING THERES NO LAW AGAINST BEING POOR, OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN PUT IN PRISON ALONG TIME AGO.

JOHN

Hubscrub · 06-06-2010, 10:24 PM

QUOTE=charx2;4017730]!

[/QUOTE]

that is one of the funniest things i have ever seen

charx2 · 06-06-2010, 10:37 PM

I hate them. The socket kept slipping due to the angle and I ended up power punching stuff with my knuckles. Awesome.

**El Jay** · 06-06-2010, 10:39 PM

WD40 doesn't make for a very good penetrating oil.
Here's something that has almost always worked for me:
Get all your wrenches and everything else you'll need set up & ready to go.
One bolt at a time, heat the threads with a propane torch nice and hot. Don't worry, you aren't going to get them too hot.
Once you get the threads good & hot, take away the torch and hit those threads with some wax for just a very few seconds. An old candle will work just fine. Goo berserk with your wrenches.
Repeat with the others.

charx2 · 06-06-2010, 10:44 PM

So put some flame to them for a few seconds until they get plenty hot but not glowing, then put some candle wax on all the threads? Never heard of that but I sure will give it a try, thanks man. Now if I can just find my torch...

PanelDeland · 06-07-2010, 03:55 PM

El Jay is right.WD-40 stands for "water Dispersant formula 40".It's not much of a lube or penetrant.Some PB Blaster or Kroil would be a much better choice.

charx2 · 06-07-2010, 03:58 PM

I also heard that trans fluid and acetone is one of the best penatrating oils.

charx2 · 06-07-2010, 09:23 PM

LOOK WHAT I HAVE DONE!!!!! I am man, no beer goes undrank, no disrespectful face goes unpunched, and no stupid damn bolt goes unscrewed! MUHAHAHAHAHAHA! I let it soak over night with some WD40 and man, it was no problem today, took about 10 mins to get those last 3 bolts off. Wow, I still can't believe I did all that! (Pats self on back while eating a cookie).

Sinister · 06-07-2010, 09:39 PM

LOL, Congrats.

Hubscrub · 06-07-2010, 10:02 PM

good job guess you not a bolt

anymore

charx2 · 06-07-2010, 10:09 PM

No not anymore, although I'm sure I'll meet some of their brothers later down the road...

gregg72340 · 06-07-2010, 10:38 PM

Nice job man welcome to the suck a$$ thing we call our favorite hobby. We all have our horror stories and I for one as a fellow truck guy am proud of your perservearance!!!

1968CHEVYC10 · 06-07-2010, 11:42 PM

I've found that 90% of the time persistence will get you through a project like this. Kinda like banging your head against a wall, it hurts, but eventually the wall falls over... or you get a concussion

either way good job, way to stick through it.

beebster · 06-08-2010, 03:08 AM

Mr. Murphy definately showed up on that one. LOL
I bet if you weren't in a hurry those bolts would be a piece of cake.
Story of my life, can't find it when i need it, when i don't need it there's plenty!

charx2 · 06-08-2010, 10:01 AM

Thanks fellas, it was frustrating but it damn sure gave me a feeling of acomplishment.

scooterskoolkustoms · 06-08-2010, 10:18 AM

never give up GREAT JOB.

charx2 · 06-24-2010, 09:12 AM

UPDATE** Went on vacation for a week and just got back. Painted the x-member and put it back in the truck which was a little tough having only a 70 y/o man helping me. Anyways, does anyone know the torque I should torque the bolts on the member? I was thinking maybe 80ft would be fine...but that's pretty much just because that's as high as my torque wrench goes.

06-06-2010, 08:09 PM	#1
charx2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 365	I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... Man I hate having no money! I have a bent xmember where the lower a frame connects. So I found a guy who will pull his and drive it to me for $75. I'm going to give him mine because he's selling the whole truck to someone as a donor and they don't need the xmember. So I get at it this weekend. I jack motor up about 1/2" to take support off lower motor mounts and started taking everything off. I got everything disconnected except for the 6 bolts that hold it to the frame. I started on the drivers side and was able to get all of those reasonably easy, but man when I started on the last 3... I can't afford a engine hoist and can't find anyone to rent/borrow one from. He is trying to hurry me up because he says the guy is almost ready to pick it up. Well I'm stuck. I started on the last 3 and can't even get 1 off. It is so awkward and I can't really get good leverage. It also does not help that I have bags and the front have the top brackets installed. I sprayed some wd40 and I'm going to let it sit over night and try to get it tomorrow after work. Here are a few pictures. This is the dreaded 3 bolts in the middle of the frame. Top side. I hate them! This is the same bolts only from underneath. They need to be hit at a angle i got the one on the far right loose, but it got stuck with like 1/2" thread remaining. Yet again, complete hatred. This is the whole reason for replacing xmember, see how the bag leans forward? It will eventually cause it to fail I'm sure.

06-06-2010, 08:11 PM	#2
charx2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 365	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... This is my hoopty setup lol. Btw, notice how the right wheel is all crazy and supported with the 2x4? My neighbor came over and advised me that it would be much easier to take off the upper ball joint and a frame because "it needs to come out anyway". Well I took his advice and managed to strip the ball joint thread and the bolt. It's being help in by a framing nail, I put it back together and decided on my original idea, to drop try to pull out the side with a dolly... Last edited by charx2; 06-06-2010 at 08:13 PM.

06-06-2010, 08:19 PM	#3
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... Yep!!!!!!!! I can understand your situation, I have been out of work for almost a year now. I normally do most of my work under a shade tree. I have been working on my Dad's garage trying to get enough room so I can do some work in it. He has way too much junk but doesn't want to get rid of any of it. Good luck. Danny __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

06-06-2010, 08:21 PM	#4
GOPAPA Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Nampa Idaho Posts: 7,555	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... Can you get a rattle gun in there? Maybe with a universal socket? sounds like chisel maybe hittingon the edge of the nut..if you can get in there of course.. just some other thought ,,hope it helps,

06-06-2010, 08:22 PM	#5
chevyblazer Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: tijuana b.c. Posts: 221	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... that sucks men having oooo money for projects y trew a crossmember to recicler looks like your not going to loosen those bolts yull need a blow torch where do yo live __________________ cucharitas customs

06-06-2010, 08:24 PM	#6
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... he lives in Alabama good luck bud! __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

06-06-2010, 08:28 PM	#7
Jwill41 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Farmers Branch, Tx Posts: 1,009	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... chisel or grinder is the only thing I can think of __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/jwill41 67 1/2 ton GMC short step side 68 1/2 ton Chevy long fleet side 72 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban 99 1/2 ton Chevy Suburban founder (and only member) of the primer/clearcoat club

06-06-2010, 08:36 PM	#8
charx2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 365	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... Yeah, there is no room for a impact, I tried a air rachet but it doesn't have enough a$$ to loosen the bolts. I'm going to try again tomorrow but worse comes to worse, i'll have to just use a small air grinder and cut it off hoping that it will fit. I love working on this truck, it's my first project vehicle and about the only time I get some peace and quite! I'm learning as I go and mostly the hard way lol.

06-06-2010, 09:41 PM	#9
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... SEEMS LIKE I HAVE BEEN BROKE & LEARNED EVERYTHING THE HARD WAY TOO, FOR ABOUT AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. GOOD THING THERES NO LAW AGAINST BEING POOR, OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN PUT IN PRISON ALONG TIME AGO. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

06-06-2010, 10:24 PM	#10
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... QUOTE=charx2;4017730]! [/QUOTE] that is one of the funniest things i have ever seen __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

06-06-2010, 10:37 PM	#11
charx2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 365	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... I hate them. The socket kept slipping due to the angle and I ended up power punching stuff with my knuckles. Awesome.

06-06-2010, 10:39 PM	#12
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... WD40 doesn't make for a very good penetrating oil. Here's something that has almost always worked for me: Get all your wrenches and everything else you'll need set up & ready to go. One bolt at a time, heat the threads with a propane torch nice and hot. Don't worry, you aren't going to get them too hot. Once you get the threads good & hot, take away the torch and hit those threads with some wax for just a very few seconds. An old candle will work just fine. Goo berserk with your wrenches. Repeat with the others. __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck

06-06-2010, 10:44 PM	#13
charx2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 365	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... So put some flame to them for a few seconds until they get plenty hot but not glowing, then put some candle wax on all the threads? Never heard of that but I sure will give it a try, thanks man. Now if I can just find my torch...

06-07-2010, 03:55 PM	#14
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... El Jay is right.WD-40 stands for "water Dispersant formula 40".It's not much of a lube or penetrant.Some PB Blaster or Kroil would be a much better choice. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

06-07-2010, 03:58 PM	#15
charx2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 365	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... I also heard that trans fluid and acetone is one of the best penatrating oils.



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06-07-2010, 09:23 PM	#16
charx2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 365	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... LOOK WHAT I HAVE DONE!!!!! I am man, no beer goes undrank, no disrespectful face goes unpunched, and no stupid damn bolt goes unscrewed! MUHAHAHAHAHAHA! I let it soak over night with some WD40 and man, it was no problem today, took about 10 mins to get those last 3 bolts off. Wow, I still can't believe I did all that! (Pats self on back while eating a cookie). Last edited by charx2; 06-07-2010 at 09:40 PM.

06-07-2010, 09:39 PM	#17
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... LOL, Congrats. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

06-07-2010, 10:02 PM	#18
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... good job guess you not a bolt anymore __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

06-07-2010, 10:09 PM	#19
charx2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 365	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... No not anymore, although I'm sure I'll meet some of their brothers later down the road...

06-07-2010, 10:38 PM	#20
gregg72340 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: ambler, pa Posts: 325	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... Nice job man welcome to the suck a$$ thing we call our favorite hobby. We all have our horror stories and I for one as a fellow truck guy am proud of your perservearance!!!

06-07-2010, 11:42 PM	#21
1968CHEVYC10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tomball, TX Posts: 578	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... I've found that 90% of the time persistence will get you through a project like this. Kinda like banging your head against a wall, it hurts, but eventually the wall falls over... or you get a concussion either way good job, way to stick through it. __________________ '68 C10 LWB 6.2NA/NP833 3.73's

06-08-2010, 03:08 AM	#22
beebster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Aurora,Il ..born,raised and still live in the same house Posts: 286	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... Mr. Murphy definately showed up on that one. LOL I bet if you weren't in a hurry those bolts would be a piece of cake. Story of my life, can't find it when i need it, when i don't need it there's plenty!

06-08-2010, 10:01 AM	#23
charx2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 365	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... Thanks fellas, it was frustrating but it damn sure gave me a feeling of acomplishment.

06-08-2010, 10:18 AM	#24
scooterskoolkustoms Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: so cal Posts: 436	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... never give up GREAT JOB. __________________ big old burb in primer.lot of work to do.

06-24-2010, 09:12 AM	#25
charx2 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 365	Re: I hate being broke! X-member pull with motor still in... UPDATE** Went on vacation for a week and just got back. Painted the x-member and put it back in the truck which was a little tough having only a 70 y/o man helping me. Anyways, does anyone know the torque I should torque the bolts on the member? I was thinking maybe 80ft would be fine...but that's pretty much just because that's as high as my torque wrench goes.

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