newtorotary6

hi everyone. i am new to the forums. have been doing the 5 lug conversion on my 1986 and the drivers rear strut was stubborn and stuck. the rubber bushing came off but not the metal bearing. i found another thread and used a 1 and 1/8 wrench to remove the lower strut mounting bolt and was able to cut the bearing off. went to go back and install it and can not thread the bolt back in. threads on the bolt look fine and instead the back of the hub the threads look fine too. am i doing something wrong?? cleaned the threads, keep trying to thread it as straight as possible etc.

Jeff76

I am not understanding this. The piece in your hand is a complete part. Hopefully, you didn't cut that. One side has male threads and the other female threads. The male side bolts to the controll arm. The shock goes over top of the female threaded part and a very large washer and bolt hold the shock to stud sticking out of the control arm.
From the picture it looks like you need a need shock if the rubber is this bad. Also, the part looks cut, it shouldn't be.
Based on the rust I see, check your brake and fuel lines carefully. How old are your bushings in the back? Specifically the dog bone looking ones. If those are bad, chances are that your whole entire rear suspension needs refreshed. How long are your rear tires lasting? Is the rear stear still in good shape? I really hope the suspension is o.k. The 5 lug conversion would be the least of your concerns if not. Best wishes.

If you did cut the part, let us know where you bought one. My spare subframe has a striped side on one control arm.

Edit: I was able to watch the video. You uploaded a video from an Iphone. I had to use VLC on Android.
Verify your threads on the inside and the bolt. There is sometimes a chewed spot right at beginning. In my old days I would have just pushed way harder than you did. Make sure it's very straight and push. It can work or just trash the threads.
You might want a tap a die for the threads. That would be tha correct way to double check everything. Besides cleaning and straightening threads manually with very small and sharp tools.