Broken bolt and loose bolts on tow hitch

[TheWhopper]

I have a 1998 SR5, it has rust in the undercarriage so I'm take stuff off before it gets sandblasted.

I attempted to remove the original tow hitch but have hit a few snags.

#1. One of the 17mm bolts broke off on the driver side, I'm sure that can be drilled out. At least I know it won't stop me from removing the hitch..

#2. Two of the 17mm bolts are loose (passenger side) but won't come off. I'm thinking there might have been a nut of some sort INSIDE the frame that was welded on which the bolt screws into.......BUT the nut has come off due to age/rust/force of turning the bolt. (Just a guess)

Has anyone encountered this? I think I may go to a machine shop but wanted to check with the gurus first. Thanks!

 

[TheWhopper]

I'm guessing this might be the fix? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEme2BZdPho&feature=youtu.be

 

[TheWhopper]

I think I found my fix. Thanks everyone! trailer hitch weld nuts

 

[19963.4lsr5]

This is what it looks like in the frame. Just cut the bolt heads off.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[brillo_76]

I actually have a set of originals of those 2 nut extension for rear towing hitch
that I should be able to make sets out of stainless stock and weld hard grade nut to the stock. If anyone is interested in me making them a set. Like the other user showed, you can even make your own very easily too.

 

[phattyduck]

I actually have a set of originals of those 2 nut extension for rear towing hitch
that I should be able to make sets out of stainless stock and weld hard grade nut to the stock. If anyone is interested in me making them a set. Like the other user showed, you can even make your own very easily too.

Those get a little funky, even in California - I'm surprised they exist at all in the rust belt. (and yes, I know where you got yours from! :zoom

-Charlie