Dropped a socket while installing hood prop rods...

[WuNgUn]

Just had to....

Sponsored

 

[PaBronco]

I always seem to break one or more plastic rivets when working on vehicles. Usually when it requires you to disassemble half the vehicle to replace a light bulb. Get a plastic rivet kit and removal tool, and you will be prepared.

https://www.amazon.com/Retainer-Pla...rds=plastic+push+rivets&qid=1646577000&sr=8-4

 

[kbBronco]

Hahaha, I did this exact thing but instead of the socket it was the entire metal bracket used for the hood strut i was installing. Will post my results from your fender flare and skirt removal! This forum really is amazing

 

[kbBronco]

easiest recovery of all time! Unlatch, then pull straight out on your removable fender flare. Set aside in safe location to prevent damage. Then, using a Phillips head screwdriver 🪛, undo and gently pull out the skirt tabs lining the underside of your fender. Once you get 5-8 tabs removed, gently pull your fender skirt aside to reach your hand inside the fender and locate your lost piece.
- Redline Hood struts work great, no random brackets lost in my fender, and it took all of 5 minutes.

 

[Moto26]

 

[section525]

A couple tips as I dropped the bolt (and the damn magnet rod) and searched the forum for removing the fender liners and got here.

If you hold the base of the screw pin as you're unscrewing the center it will usually back out. Then use the panel popper to get her pulled.

Step 1: Remove about three of the pins and reach around until you find the magnetic rod you dropped. Use the rod to fish around more towards the door until you stick the bolt you dropped. DO NOT PUT THE LINER BACK TOGETHER YET.

Step 2: Attempt to bolt the bracket again and then drop the bolt one more time. From the opening in the liner - use the magnetic rod to fish around until you find the bolt (hint: its not in the same place you found it last time).

Step 3: Third times a charm. Thread the bolt in without dropping it for reals this time.

Step 4: Move onto passenger side. Hold bolt from the top with magnetic rod. With the other hand hold the bracket in place. Using rod - position the bolt into hole once brackets is lined up. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DROP BOLT DOWN FENDER. You already did that on the other side.


Here is the arsenal you'll need:

 

[rblock50]

The 9/16th of the metric world. Frequent use and tend to disappear like a fart in the wind when you need them the most...

Good to know I'm not the only one. It's like the "sock" of the automotive world. Socket kits should just come with extra 10MM sockets!

 

[emulous74]

Well, installing the Ford Performance Hood struts, I dropped a small flashlight a couple weeks ago and still can't find the damn thing. I'll try taking off the fender liner and see if I can find it.

 

[JonDW29]

Dropped a bolt installing my hood struts as well. Pulled the fender liner and it was sitting in the bottom of the fender between the front wheel and the cab.

 

[01tundra]

Must be something with these hood struts.

I installed our Redlines and everything went fine, three days later I couldn't find the flashlight that I was using during install. After searching the entire shop and Bronco three times I glance down and it's wedged next to the battery......

 

[Gluestick]

I came, humbly, to the internet searching for how to retrieve a socket I dropped when installing the prop rods. oh and also retrieve a wrench I was using to finish the job but dropped it as well. Right there between the front quarter panel.

and this thread was like striking gold. Tools retrieved. Job done. Additional time spent not so substantial. Spare bolts and bits leftover after reassembly = 0.

this thread was a great help. I had not removed the flares before.

 

[helifino16]

Same thing happened to me... I loosened the fender bolts near the door and pulled gently and out it popped. Love this (modular) Bronco.

Sponsored