LCA install question on Roadster

[txboiler]

I received the LCAs yesterday and was able to check off one more item from my POL list. Started the install today and the PS fit well; did not need to open the chassis mount bracket at all. One washer installed on the forward side of the rear bracket location. The DS required the forward bracket tabs to be "opened" so that the LCA would fit. I used the well documented process of threaded rod, washers and nuts; I needed to open the gap by approximately 0.050". No problems there.

The problem I have is that I can get the DS rear bolt and shim washer installed. I can get the fwd bolt through the front bracket and LCA, but I can not get it through the holt on the rear bracket. I have cleaned out the powder coating on hole, but still no go. You can see in the photo below it appears that the bolt is catching on the threads.


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I have considered the following
1) using a dead blow hammer but I am afraid that will bugger up the threads.
2) opening the rear hole up slightly with dremel
3) opening up the front hole with step drill

Would options 2 & 3 above change the suspension or alignment geometry?

Are there other options and I missing?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Spin it up with an impact driver and I bet it will catch a thread and pull itself through.

Jeff

[RJD]

I would avoid the dead blow for the reason you mentioned. Either option 2 or 3 should work - just remove the minimum amount of material needed.

Edit: Try what Jeff recommended above first.

[Norm B]

Jeffs' impact driver suggestion will definitely work. I was going to suggest a ratchet and socket. Push on the back of the ratchet while working it like you are trying to tighten the bolt. You will find quite a few places on the build where this process is necessary to get the bolts through. The steering rack was another that I recall during my build and I am sure there were others.
Get the washer and nut on the rear bolt before you push it through much more. Don't ask how I know.

Norm

[txboiler]

Thanks for the replies. I will try Jeff's suggestion and let you know now it works.

[txboiler]

Jeff’s suggestion worked perfect.....thanks again.