hoghead55 wrote:
I need help with the wet bolt install. I have a huge clamp from my welding buddy but cannot get the bolts to press in flush with the hanger. I am not having a problem pressing the old bolts out. Is there another way to seat the bolts such as using an impact wrench and pulling the bolt in place? I have tried driving the bolt in the last little bit using a sledge hammer and socket but no luck. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated to finish the job.
This clamp is about the smallest that will work. It has a 3/4 ACME thread. I have used this on 3 installs and I can attest anything smaller and it will not do the job. The HF ball joint tool I believe and is 1" fine thread. You can get more power with the ball joint tool and if I have to do another one I will buy one.
A few things that help reduce the power needed:
Try and align the serreated teeth on the new bolt with as many of the prior cut teeth in the hanger. It helps vereses cutting all new teeth in the hanger.
There is 1 limited trick with the C Clamp if you have a 3/4" or larger one to start with. Arranging the head of the bolt to be on the screw side, preload the clamp as much as you can. Use sockets to not mark the grease fitting/hanger. 1 or 2 impacts on the screw using medium force hammer can seat them. Do not whale heavy with a heavy hammer.
You mentioned using the nut to draw in the bolt. No do not do that. The nut is made of low gage metal and will strip out for sure. I riped up several old one taking them off once rusted on.
Good luck and hope this helps
John
