Hi all,
2001 XJ all stock, 203k miles. Just replaced the muffler.

I am trying to replace the exhaust hanger after the muffler. I have the Walker replacement which is an exact fit.

After fighting the two bolts that go into the nut strip, I snapped one, and the other one was so tough that it bent the nutstrip inside the frame.

I spent several hours researching this and found out that nut strips rust up pretty often and are usually replaced if you want to put a hitch on. I don't have a trailer hitch and won't be pulling anything with this jeep.

Here's my question: Can I just remove the nutstrip entirely and fish two bolts in through the holes (with wire) and then use lockwashers under to tighten them up?

The only weight these bolts would hold is the gas tank heat shield and the exhaust hanger, so I don't see them having too much stress.

Also, is there any way to get the nut strip out easily without removing the rear bumper?

Many thanks

 

Should work just fine

 

Sorry, no.

 

I just put a hitch on. My nutstrips where pretty nasty. I pulled the bumper and cleaned them up. You couls fish bolts in there. There are videos on youtube showing the process. If you want some examples search installing trailer hitch jeep xj

 

I just dealt with this myself recently when I installed a hitch. The nutstrip is a PITA if you bend it inside the rail. I had to take the bumper off and fight the stupid thing for quite a while to get it out. The new nuts should work just fine for the exhaust hanger. Good luck.