Stripped torsion bolt keeper

[burgurboy]

Hey guys, I've got a bit of a dilemma...

I've got a rusty '94 z71 silverado. I lifted the front of the truck 1" a few months back by turning the torsion bar bolts. Shortly after, i heard a loud bang, After a closer look, it looks like the torsion bolt keeper stripped out. (yes, the truck was in the air when I turned the bolts)

My original plan was to drill and tap the keeper and use a much larger, m16x2.0 bolt. I oiled up the keeper, put my drill press on low speed but, burned up my drill bit within seconds. Is the keeper hardened steel? any ideas? I cant be the first person this has happened to...

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[TylerZ281500]

ive heard of it happening and yes id imagine its hardened

 

[oohunter04oo]

Junk yard time.

 

[MinnesotaChevy]

Those are not that expensive just get 2 (yes 2) new ones so y0u know its ok in both

 

[burgurboy]

Any idea where I might be able to get new replacements
? I'd like to avoid the junk yard for something like this, if possible.

 

[thz71]

Somthing like this is what you should go to the junk yard for

 

[MinnesotaChevy]

I 2nd thz71, a junk yard should have them but you might have to pull it out your self

 

[burgurboy]

Well dang. I guess I'll hit a JY or 2 on the way home. Around here, the trucks are normally sitting in the grass, wheel-less, laying on their bellies. Parts like these are a major pain to get to and I'd hate to end up with another rusty one.

I'll see what I can find d

 

[thz71]

Well dang. I guess I'll hit a JY or 2 on the way home. Around here, the trucks are normally sitting in the grass, wheel-less, laying on their bellies. Parts like these are a major pain to get to and I'd hate to end up with another rusty one.

I'll see what I can find d

See if the yard will come out and flip the truck on it side for you and don't worry about them being rusty as long as they have threads this isn't a common problem

 

[burgurboy]

Hit the JY today. Found a nice, rust free 95 4x4 'burb. $5 for two bolts, keepers, and a coke. Thanks for the advice guys. I would have like to beefed up these bolts and keepers but, I cant argue the price I paid for this fix.