Whats the trick for removing rod bolts?

[PedaltoMetal]

Sounds stupid I know but I'm considering going ARP and can't get the stock ones out of the cap. Do I press them out or screw them out? I don't want to cause any damage

03 5.3 L59

[RedHeartbeat]

They are simply bolts. To do the rod bolts correctly you'll need a rod bolt stretch gauge and ARP thread lube.

[PedaltoMetal]

I know they're bolts but they are captured in the cap.

[RedHeartbeat]

nope, just unscrew one put an ARP back in its place, then do the other and torque to stretch value. It threads in from the bottom side. Be sure to get a new oil sump tube seal since you'll be dropping the pan, pickup and windage tray.

[PedaltoMetal]

Yep, they're captured in the cap. I have the cap in my hand. Cannot remove bolts. If I try to unscrew it it hits a stop after about a turn. Cannot push them out either.

[RedHeartbeat]

What are you working on? Is it an LSx based vehicle?

[PedaltoMetal]

It's an 03 5.3 L59/LM7. Gen 3 motor.

[RedHeartbeat]

Take a block of wood, wood or leather mallet and hit the bolt to drive it out. I've never had the rod bolts get retained in a cap but I only remove one at a time and it threads out on its own, the threads in the rod pull it out of the cap.

[PedaltoMetal]

I'm probably wrong but to me it looks like there is a sleeve in the rod cap and that's what is holding them in. I was trying not to cause any damage in case I change my mind. I heard from several different people that the rods need to be resized if installing ARP rod bolts. Even on the cracked cap style. But I've also heard of people installing them without resizing the rods. I'm on the fence here.

[RedHeartbeat]

only resize if rebuilding. You're not resizing just verifying size. You're just honing them into tolerance if they're out of round any. You really can't resize a cracked rod.