need help with frame bracket reinstall

[ricktb]

Just completed a RM racing sway bar install.. The last thing I need to do is reinstall the passenger side frame bracket. To my suprise, the long bolt doesn't thread in anymore. I can look down the thread and I see the very end has shifted almost 1/4 inch and stopping the bolt short of the thread. I suppose the car frame may have sagged while the bracket was removed.

I've tried prying with my 1/2" driver and I can move but only a tiny bit, and I don't want to knock the car off the stands. I've tried jacking the car in various locations to twist and shift the frame into place but not enough to help.

Has anyone been through this problem before? Thanks for any help.

 

[ricktb]

Ok I got it, in case your wondering I had to grind the end of the bolt on a 45 degree angle so that the tip of the bolt had a "D" shape and then tapers off at 45 degrees.. anyways I positioned the tip of the bolt to wedge in between the narrow gap and once I turn the bolt the threads caught in and aligned the 2 plates of metal (these 2 plates were offset 1/4" almost).

ps The upper plate had the treads, and the lower plate was smooth shank so I had to get the plates aligned so the bolt could grab the threads and tighten.

This had me seriously stumped at first, and overnight I dreamed this idea and it worked like butter!

At first I tried to C clamp the two plates to align but it was tight to get in there, and not enough room to get good torque on the clamp.

pps the rm bars rock