Is cutting the only way?

[BrooksK]

I am redoing all of the interior in my '96 Ranger. I'm trying to get the seat belts out to replace them. This bolt has me at a stand still. The nut backed off about 2 threads and then the bolt just started spinning. I dismantled as much as I could, even took it out of the height adjustment track. Then I locked some vicegrips to the backside of the bolt since there's no head. I jammed a screwdriver in there for extra measure, and let it marinate under the heat gun on high heat. I still cannot get it to come loose, or even go back on any. It just keeps trying to spin the bolt. Is cutting the only way?

I looked on eBay for more height adjusters just to see. People are selling them. Without the nut. How?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I would try a zip disc and grind as close the the bolt shank as possible. Even if you hit the threads a bit it wont compromise the strength of the bolt much.
Hopefully there is a better method...

 

[BrooksK]

I would try a zip disc and grind as close the the bolt shank as possible. Even if you hit the threads a bit it wont compromise the strength of the bolt much.
Hopefully there is a better method...

Thanks. I found new OEM bolts and nuts online. I hope there is a better method too.

 

[Roert42]

Could try one of those but splitters. I’ve never tried one, so I don’t know how well they work, but there seems to be a million different designs out there.

 

[vigness]

The splitters don't work on flange nuts, and not up close either. Best option is to grind / cut one edge down, then the other and split it manually. Inwouldn't be all that concerned about the adjuster. The stud is supposed to be fixed to the slider so you are looking at replaceing that part anyway. I would only try and save the stud if you think you can spot weld the stud from turning once you have it apart. Have to weigh the cost of a new / used slider vs the extra time it wall take to salvage the one you have.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Also try some heat from a torch,, not a heat gun.. My guess is Ford put the permanent locktite on it at the factory.

If that doesn't work, I also say use a nut Cracker/ splitter.

AJ

 

[Roert42]

 

[DILLARD000]

Have a small GrindingWheel that fits in my power drill chuck;
I'd grind away enough of the nut to get it off, being careful not to booger up the bolt.

 

[rumblecloud]

Do you own a dremel?

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I have a swiss army knife that works. Its called a cutoff wheel. I would start with the small size called dremel, otherwise go with the 4 1/2" angle grinder one.

 

[Jazzer]

I’d drill a hole in the bolt, tap in a slightly oversize torx bit, hold it with a wrench and undo the nut with another wrench.

-Jazzer

 

[BrooksK]

The splitters don't work on flange nuts, and not up close either. Best option is to grind / cut one edge down, then the other and split it manually. Inwouldn't be all that concerned about the adjuster. The stud is supposed to be fixed to the slider so you are looking at replaceing that part anyway. I would only try and save the stud if you think you can spot weld the stud from turning once you have it apart. Have to weigh the cost of a new / used slider vs the extra time it wall take to salvage the one you have.

This is what I was thinking. I don't think that I could spot weld it or use a torch. The bolt passes through a piece of plastic which would melt. I could cut the nut off and replace both the bolt and stud, or find someone parting out a ranger and see about getting the adjusters off of it. Currently searching for Ranger part outs.

Thank you all for the help.

 

[bobbywalter]

Or you can pull out on it as you turn the nut....

Or....make the nut up slightly..and the the Dremel or cut off wheel....make just a small slot...to hold with a screwdriver...and back out with wrench.

 

[vigness]

To bad you're not closer to Kansas CIty, I have to 98's I'm in the process of parting / junking out. One is a 4 door. Should be the same part. I'll take a look later. Which side?

 

[BrooksK]

To bad you're not closer to Kansas CIty, I have to 98's I'm in the process of parting / junking out. One is a 4 door. Should be the same part. I'll take a look later. Which side?

Both.