Strut Bolt Stuck

[Gandy Dancer]

Hello RAM FORUM. I would like to put a 2.5 inch leveling kit on my 2011 Dodge Ram Big Horn. I had planned on doing it myself, but I could not loosen up the strut bolts on either side. I took out to a mechanic and they could not loosen it as well. Has anyone run into this situation and if so, what do you think can be done to remove this bolt without having to purchase an entire lower control arm?

Thanks!!!

 

[crazykid1994]

Get the nut off then use an air chisel to drive it out. Worst case is you need a new lower control arm. Heat will most likely ruin the bushing and require a new lower control arm anyways.

 

[RedSRT4Me]

Hello RAM FORUM. I would like to put a 2.5 inch leveling kit on my 2011 Dodge Ram Big Horn. I had planned on doing it myself, but I could not loosen up the strut bolts on either side. I took out to a mechanic and they could not loosen it as well. Has anyone run into this situation and if so, what do you think can be done to remove this bolt without having to purchase an entire lower control arm?

Thanks!!!

If we are talking about the single strut bolt at the bottom of the LCA just cut the bolt off with a cutoff wheel or similar.

Don't take that from the truck!!! Show that truck who's boss!!

 

[808ram1500]

If a mechanic shop cant take it off then that shop must be the worst mech shop ever.

 

[GRN69CHV]

You can't get the nut loose? Or you can't get the bolt out once the nut is off?

Can't get the nut off, penetrating lube and a lot of muscle. All else fails, cut off wheel.

Can't the bolt out, penetrating oil and BFH. Enlighten me, were the 2011 control arms steel or iron?

Ever hear the old saying? Don't force it het a bigger hammer!

 

[Livinalittle]

Read that wrong, you can delete this.

 

[Tach_tech]

If you’re referring to the bottom strut mount bolt, it’s very possible it’s seized into the bushing, seen it happen a few times.You can try cutting it out but you’ll probably end up messing up the bushing in the process. Might need to replace the control arm.

 

[daveray9]

I cut mine out and pushed out the old bushing and popped in a new one. Bought 2 and only needed it for one side. Your welcome to the spare I have with the bolt if you wanna pay shipping and test it out.

And before a bunch of people attack this, yes I pushed the bushing out of an aluminum lower control arm with no problem and then push the new one in also with no problem, been driving with it for 4 years now

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