Sub frame bolt keeps spinning

[SuperDaveGSE]

Swapping the trans in the Impala, got everything unplugged and unbolted and everything. I start working on the subframe bolts, get to the last one (pass side rear bolt) and it just spins. Anyone ever dealt with something like this?

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[RICH17]

Put the other bolts back in and take it out the top.

 

[SuperDaveGSE]

The bolt is caged in with the body, I'd have to do alot of cutting that would require welding when done.

 

[RICH17]

Exactly. Pull trans out from top...

 

[SuperDaveGSE]

Not an option.

 

[Donnie]

Fucking hate those damn things...

Can you get a pair of vice-grips on the Nut/Cage? Get a set Cranked the fuck on there and hit it with an impact while applying heat.

 

[SleeperLS]

I agree with RICH17...I have dropped the sub frame once and I will never do it again. I would see if someone could help get you a engine hoist or figure something out to get that hunk of metal out of the top. That is just my opinion though as I know some people drop the sub frames without much issue. Can you get anything in there to cut the bolt off? I have had to use a tiny hack saw to get into some stupid tight spots before.

 

[Donnie]

I agree with RICH17...I have dropped the sub frame once and I will never do it again. I would see if someone could help get you a engine hoist or figure something out to get that hunk of metal out of the top. That is just my opinion though as I know some people drop the sub frames without much issue. Can you get anything in there to cut the bolt off? I have had to use a tiny hack saw to get into some stupid tight spots before.

You can take the head off the bolt and try to feed the whole seized shit-show out, but I wouldn't suggest it. Usually when this happens, the hardware isn't too badly stuck, just corrosion eating away at things, then the force of torquing the bolt loose breaks the cage and/or it's welds loose. That's why I suggest Vice-grips, heat and an impact. The bolt should come out with some attention, making life a whole hell of a lot easier later.

I only wish I could say I haven't dealt with this is many times as I have...

 

[SuperDaveGSE]

Nope no way to get an engine hoist, I've dropped the trans out this way 4 times on my regal. This is the first time for the impala, shity thing is this impala has half the mileage as the regal did and half the rust. The regal was a rust bucket and yet gave me little to no problems getting things apart. I think I'm gonna try to cut the cage open and get to the bolt that way, then hopefully get it all back together then get the cage welded shut again.

 

[Yaj Yak]

miles and rust have no correlation as you see.

 

[SuperDaveGSE]

Well I got the sub frame down and out, but the bolt broke off. Now I have to figure out how to get that fucker out...UGGH!!!

 

[Turbocharged400sbc]

there's an access plug above it behind the steering rack, if it was spinning then the cage might be broken and you can fish it out readily

 

[SuperDaveGSE]

Yeah I can barely get my hand in there.