LR4 Rear Ladder Install Help

cbboard · Jul 30, 2020

I went to install a new Frontrunner rear ladder on my LR4 and ran into a snag. The two center bolts that attach the rear lift handle just spin. I think they rusted/seized into the handle with the nuts dislodging. I am guessing that my only option is to drill them out. Any thoughts?

ktm525 · Jul 30, 2020

I would say that is Gods way of telling me not to install a ladder.

cperez · Jul 30, 2020

Can you get a pry tool under the bolt heads so you can apply some pressure as the drill tries to back them out?

cbboard · Jul 30, 2020

That's a good thought. will give that a try tonight.

Quijote · Jul 30, 2020

cperez said:
Can you get a pry tool under the bolt heads so you can apply some pressure as the drill tries to back them out?

Agreed. If that doesn't work, visegrip and let rotate until it rests on something to prevent rotation.

Tdawg183 · Aug 2, 2020

Quijote said:
Agreed. If that doesn't work, visegrip and let rotate until it rests on something to prevent rotation.

I had to do almost the exact same thing except I used needle nose pliers. It just took adding a tiny bit of resistance to get it loose.

AdventureTim · Aug 5, 2020

Those bolts go into nutserts in the rear tailgate handle. They lose their bite in the plastic over time and then spin. I ended up replacing my whole handle recently (and my car is only 2015!).

cperez · Aug 6, 2020

AdventureTim said:
Those bolts go into nutserts in the rear tailgate handle. They lose their bite in the plastic over time and then spin. I ended up replacing my whole handle recently (and my car is only 2015!).

I've been having a hell of a time sourcing the OEM ladder but reports like this make me veer to the aftermarket options that go on the starboard side and hook on various edges of the rear hatch. I do like the OEM look and keeping everything stock, though.

@cbboard did you ever get this sorted out?

ktm525 · Aug 6, 2020

Wasn't there a thread about removing a rusty ladder? My limited experiences with rusty LR accessories (looking at you LR running boards) would move me towards the aftermarket.

AdventureTim · Aug 14, 2020

I've got a FrontRunner ladder and it's been rust free so far, but I do agree that the mounting design isn't not optimal - those nutserts were never designed to take this sort of load.

LR4 Rear Ladder Install Help

cbboard

Full Access Member

ktm525

Full Access Member

cperez

Full Access Member

cbboard

Full Access Member

Quijote

Full Access Member

Tdawg183

Member

AdventureTim

Full Access Member

cperez

Full Access Member

ktm525

Full Access Member

AdventureTim

Full Access Member

Similar threads

Latest posts

Members online

Forum statistics

Share this page