front beam - putting it back on

[L8apex32]

Header install, putting the front beam back on...

When I took the front beam off, it took pursuasion to get it to slide down. Now I know why.

My problem is that the two bolts that hang down are about 1/4" too far apart to get the beam back on. At least the tips are too far apart.

I'm thinking a little pursuasion with a heavy object will move them in a bit. And, I may lubricate them so they'll slide a bit better. Do you have any better suggestions for getting these bolts aligned with the holes?

 

[mrbythatmuch]

No don't persuade it, you strip the threads on the studs your sliding it over!

I encountered the same thing replacing the AC compressor. I suspect you have your car lifted on jack stands right? When I observed my header install and saw the front beam slide on and off with out any problems. So go figure the front beam actually supports / hold something. I suspect when he car is on a lift the tires support the frame and prevent the left and right attachment points from spreading. When we lift it using the jack stands the front beam is under tension.

Go to hardware store and purchase some tie down straps with a ratcheting come-along. Wrapping these around the left and right supports near the attachment points (sorry not sure of the parts true nomenclature) and draw them together using the come along. The front beam will slide off / on with ease and no danger of stripping.

 

[L8apex32]

Good idea. I wonder if I could do something similar... I could move the jack stand on each side under the A-arm. That would force things up and in. Or, I could put the wheels back on and let the rear end down on support blocks.

I have wratcheting straps, both huge ones (car tie downs for towing) and midland ones so I can try that, too.

 

[mrbythatmuch]

I would be apprehensive about placing a point load / jack stand anywhere other than the designed lifting points using the come-alongs was easy enough. So long as there are attached / wrapped around near the points were the front beam would attached you would not be placing anymore /or different load on the than they would normally see.

 

[L8apex32]

Thanks MrBythatmuch. I used tow staps as you suggested and it worked great.