I need a bolt

[1987rangerxlt]

I am trying to finish up putting the steering gear on my 1987

Ford Ranger 2.9L V6 4x4. I stripped some threads though on one of the three bolts that hold the steering gear in. Does anyone know which one to buy as a replacement? I took it with me to the Do-It Center here in town but the employee couldn't figure it out.

I guess I'll try another store later.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

ace is the place

just take one of your other bolts in, try threading it through various nuts until you find one that works. read the thread pitch and diameter on the bin that nut came out of and grab a bolt with the same thread pitch and diameter, thats also the same length as your current bolts.

 

[Tedybear]

Ace is the place? LOL... (I hope the site gets paid for the advert LOL)

They might be able to help figure it out. If not? Check your yellow pages for a "Fastener" store. These are special shops that deal with every possible nut, bolt, screw, adapter, etc... Our local one in Syracuse saved me a lot of headache with both our Probe GT for exhaust studs/nuts..and the exhaust bolts for our BII. Not that expensive, and these guys are extremely well skilled at getting the right part the first time around.

Not to 'diss hardware and the big box stores, but at times the staff's training/knowledge are lacking in many areas.

S-

 

[1987rangerxlt]

NAPA Auto Parts

I went to NAPA auto parts and found the right bolt with a nut and washer. I tried to grind it a little but destroyed it and had to get another.

I'm trying to put it in backwards so that the nut can be put on. If I put it on the gear box side it wouldn't work. The head of the bolt though also is a problem.

Today is the day though!

 

[holyford86]

so you stripped the threads in the box? Just re tap the box in the size of your choice

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Tap

I thought of that too but can't get the bolt out that I was trying to put in from the gear box side.

I'm planning on taking it out and retapping and then putting another bolt in. I bought a new tap for $5.

I found out that it is a standard bolt and not a metric.

 

[rangerchase]

heli coiling it will keep all the bolts the same size and actually make the stripped threads stronger by spreading out the surface area.