thebomb2644

I'm lowered and just realized when I bottomed out that I damaged my Rusty W brace. So it bent backwards a little and folded where the front most Two bolts are, not allowing me to directly take them out. Looks like I can just angle grind the w brace to get access to take those two bolts out. The two bolts directly behind them came out no problem with some liquid wrench. Do you guys think the mounting threads/holes are damaged now for those two front bolts? They don't look crooked they're just being blocked by the bent brace. I'll try to post pics tonight

icer5160

iTrader: (4)

I doubt the chassis/frame threads are damaged. The factory W-Brace has good shear strength, but very flimsy otherwise. It should fold/bend/break before the chassis & bolts do. I would just purchase a new OEM unit or go with a beefier aftermarket option. These braces are prone to rust and should be inspected regularly if you live in the rust belt.

Sounds like you're riding a wee bit low.
-Icer

thebomb2644

Thanks. Yea I was riding low I did raise the car but didn't notice the damage from before. Will replace brace soon.

thebomb2644

Well heres the damage...Defintly gonna have to cut just praying the mounting hole is ok

icer5160

iTrader: (4)

Wow, that is one crusty/rusty W Brace! Be gentle while cutting, make sure to re-paint any bare metal areas of the chassis before installing the new brace. The bolt head might have bent, it's hard to tell. Not enough room there to get a socket on it? Or is it seized up?
-Icer

thebomb2644

The head is bent, and I'll have to cut to have room to get a socket on there. What Im wondering it if it will come out if it is bent? Other bolts came out no problem

icer5160

iTrader: (4)

If only the head is bent, you can still work it out, you will just have to deal with an off-center socket (annoying, but still do-able).
Hope it works out!
-Icer

thebomb2644

Sounds good I will update the thread when I eventually tackle this

thebomb2644

Finally got the bolt out as well as the W brace, thanks for the help All I did was grab vice grips to bend the folded part of the brace over back so I could get a 14mm socket on the bolt. It wasn't bad

khnitz

What will you be replacing the W brace with? OEM or aftermarket? I went with an Ultra Racing brace. My old W brace folded in half like nothing once I removed it...

thebomb2644

No idea yet, probaboy something Aftermarket. I have all of winter to figure it out lol..