Front Tow hook bolts AHHGG

Just got a used 2002 TRd Extra Cab wanted to switch the brush guard from my 97 over. I got the bolts out on the 97 with a little teasing. The 2002 seems to have rust hidden everywhere, 3 of the 4 bolts twisted off,even after soaking them for 3 days with PC Blast. The air gun didn't budge 'em so we went the breaker bar route. So now what? Drilling the m out seems like a night mare option. Maybe weld studs to the frame? I can't be the first with this problem. My 87 extra cab was built like a tank .the 97 needed a bit of work to match it.,and I can't believe how much cheaper the 2002 is from my 97 .sheet metal everything . .OldBoy

 

Quite a few different ways you can fix this.

The most easy if you can weld yourself is to remove the section of frame with the broken bolts weld in a new section with either the proper size weld nuts or a piece thick enough to be drilled and tapped .

I have done this on both that area and transmission cross member bolts after the fact.

 

Is the brush guard even compatible? You might want to do some measuring before going through all of that work.

 

Yeah the gen ones will fit .I'm a bit iffy on welding on it being the electronics and the weld shop said like 3- $400 WOW I'm in the wrong business. --OBTs

 

If you disconnect your negative battery cable everything will be fine.

I have been welding on these Trucks for years with no problems I always disconnect the negative battery cable