easy-out??

[sradford07]

so heres where im at after a long weekend with the in-laws and no time to work on my truck.... against better advice i tried to back the studs out using a bolt extractor kit i got at the auto store. i didnt think it was going to work.... and it didnt. i used a punch to mark the exact center of the studs, my studs are broken about 1/4" down inside the hole so theres nothing sticking up. after i punched it i started drilling it out. i used some 10w-30 i had laying around the garage to keep it oiled while i was drilling. then i just went larger and larger until i got the right size for the extractor. after the failed attempt to extract it, and a few choice words, i just drilled it out..... i Know what everyone is going to say, but i went very slow. when i was done the remaining stud came out almost like a spring. the threads are a little damaged but id say 80% intact. ive got one of the studs that had broke off and it threads down into the hole. all i need to do is find some studs now.

[PToombs]

Well, at least you got them out. If it was me, I'd Loctite the new ones in for extra holding on the damaged threads, and Never Seize the top where the nut goes on in case you ever want to remove it again.

[Ace]

I'd take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade it to 5/8" studs and U-bolts.