Cut or Bend...Removing UCA Bolt

Guys, I found this thread and others about bolt direction. Does it matter? Half the people I speak with say they are installed wrong. The other half say it’s no big deal. I spent the night googling and looking at every install picture that I can find. I guess I can spend a half day fucking with it, but honestly I really don’t want too.

 

it doesnt matter, mine i have left side installed one way and other side installed other way due to obstructions and bends that they had to do to pull it out and put it back in.

 

I just get sick and tired of all the know it alls telling me its backwards........

 

hahah, dude, it doesnt matter. Don't listen to those perfectionists. I've had both sides installed "backwards" for about 110k miles now. There is absolutely no difference. They've never come loose. They don't bind. Install them whatever way is easier for you.

 

Thanks Chris, I just cannot bear to flip them, it was a fother mucker to install......

 

I’m halfway through installing mine, I got away with bending on the drivers side, and eventually got the bolt back through the same way. I started bending on the passenger side, and then cut some material, and then realized there’s no way it’s gonna come out. So now I have to cut the bolt and go get a new one and put it in backwards. Just wished I would’ve bought new bolts to begin with.

 

It does matter. Put them back they way they came. Have you ever seen when the nut backs off? Are you going to listen to random people on the Internet? Probably a bitch to install for a reason.. so they dont fall out

 

Being my second truck, I went in prepared. Bought two new bolts from the dealer. Cut off the bolt heads with my 4.5" angle grinder cutoff wheel, and installed the new bolts from the rear. Even then it was a PITA on the driver's side, with many fuel lines, brake lines, and wiring trays to unclip.



The nuts haven't backed off after a year and 5 wheeling trips.

Stuff something behind the bolt head before cutting, to protect the radiator hoses, etc. I just used the previously removed rubber fenderwell splash guards.

 

I feel pretty stupid for not just buying new bolts right off the bat. Although I think it would’ve been a bigger pain to try to put them in backwards on the drivers side, rather than just bending some material. I’m glad to hear you haven’t had any issues. I just used a sawzall with a short blade, made pretty quick work of the bolt head.

 

Could you not drill a small hole in the end of the bolt and install a cotter pin?