Hey gas mask have you been under there and seen just how accesible the bolts are, let alone the threads? After getting the bolts out the penetrating oil seems to have gotten half way up the threads but the worst part was further up. The breaker bar, Pipe over the socket handle' worked great. I still ned to know what tool works for that 3rd bolt on the passenger side tow hook the farthest up.
What happens is the wax ( we use candles) gets sucked into the threads and acts as a lubricant. You will be surprised how easy they turn out if done properly. shawn
1COOLVX
I still need to drill the four holes for the other bolts but finally got the damn tow hooks off.
A quick tip, The driver side has one bolt holding the tow hook on the passenger side has three. For those who are unaware that 3rd bolt is so far up its like having the doctor removing your tonsils via your rectum. (doing that can really wreckem, get it?) I tries for many hours. If I had known I could remove 3/4 of the cladding in 10 minutes and had easy access I would have gone that way no debate about it.
Some more tips If you have the Curt hitch;
1. Your spare tire makes a convenient booster to get the hitch up clode to the frame
2. a hydraulic jack works great for the rest of the way once you have 1 side bolted.
3. not all cladding screws will be easily put back as the hitch blocks several a 10mm wrench and screwdriver handle helpd getting them in and out.
4. Doing this in 120 degree temp is not fun or advisable
5. for ease of bolting I always screw in the bolts before using to make sure they go in properly, make sure to remove them before installing yor hitch.
6. At this time JCWhitney has the Curt hitch for $168 includes shipping and the ball holder.
7. directions can be found in the hollow of the hitch this will save valuable hold time with JCWhitney