bolt stuck in leaf spring

[modelageek]

I am replacing my rear leaf spring hanger and shackle. I have one side done and the other side the old hanger is off. I am ready to install but the bolt/ bushing in the leaf spring will not come out. I tried every thing with what i had for about 2 hours. Does anyone have any suggestions is there a tool to remove these things similiar to a ball joint press. any help would be appreciated.

 

[modelageek]

I have the bed off

 

[modelageek]

plus I cant find new bolts to attached the bed, any one know the part #, would the home depot have them . I tried rock auto, az, advanced and i am searching the net , no luck oh and i called ford and he can order them for $16 each but i forgot to ask for a part #

 

[Slim]

I've actually been reading up on this for the past few days. Apparently it's not all that uncommon for the bushing/bolt to be very difficult to remove. Reports show that using something like a ball joint press/tool work well. If you're really stuck you might try using a vice and sockets. Remember to use lots of penetrating spray.

As for the bed bolts - take one of the stock ones with you and match up the thread size, pitch and length and you're done. The heads of the bolts don't have to be the same as the stock ones - you can use a hex head with a washer and it'll work fine. I've seen this a number of times on local Rangers - heck, body lift kits replace with the same hex head bolts.

Good luck.

 

[fishbone1]

bolts

Look for Fastenal store in your area. They will have the bolts.

 

[modelageek]

I spent about 45 min this morning doing the crowbar BFH thing to no avail. I then got out a 1/4 drill bit and drill. I was about to go to the auto parts store to see what tool i could get to press this out. But first I said lets try drilling the rubber out( I was reluctant to do this because i was concerned about pressing the the new bushing in)proceded to drill the piss out of the rubber in the bushing . 5min later the bushing and bolt where on the ground I then pouinded the bushing into the eye with some grease on it( there has to be a good tool to do this)

 

[modelageek]

the bolt sizes on my truck for the bed where 12m x 1.75 x 100mm (quantity 4)
12m x 1.75 x 120mm (quantity 2)

 

[Slim]

the bolt sizes on my truck for the bed where 12m x 1.75 x 100mm (quantity 4)
12m x 1.75 x 120mm (quantity 2)

That's great info to share, thanks!

You should also post up what size/quantity hardware you used to replace the rivets for the shackle mounts and the shackle/bushing bolts, too.

I'm going to replace the shackle mount rivets with M12 hardware myself.

 

[modelageek]

I think the 12m is just the size of the bolt, nothing to do with the strength, I bought A dorman kit and the kit came with bolts, I don't know what strength they were but I am assuming they are the correct strength

 

[TRX501RYAN]

i just had torched mine till the rubber melted, and pushed it out with a metal rod, real easy then got the poly 2 pieces bushins that slide into the old metal sleve, realy easy,


Heated them on the top near the slot and the end of the leaf to avoid affect the load bearing area.


Ry

 

[Slim]

I think the 12m is just the size of the bolt, nothing to do with the strength, I bought A dorman kit and the kit came with bolts, I don't know what strength they were but I am assuming they are the correct strength

Actually, the size of the bolt has a lot to do with it's strength, as well as what material is used and how's it's managed during the manufacturing process.

A few charts for those interested .....

http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Materials-and-Grades/Bolt-Grade-Chart.aspx

http://www.k-tbolt.com/bolt_chart.html

There's a considerable difference between using a 3/8 versus 1/2" bolt for strength (within the same grade). Size matters.


Regardless, yes, Dorman will supply you with appropriate hardware for the job.

Congrats on getting the job done. Now post some pics!

 

[Madracingalley]

First off, I'm about to do the same thing your doing right now...
Second. MAKE SURE THE BOLTS ON THE BED ARE CORRECT!!!!
nuts and bolts are only there strongest when they are used properly.
the bolts on the bed MAY be 9.8 bolts. if they are DO NOT USE 8.8 bolts
they are not as strong as 9.8 bolts.
Finally, next time you pull the bed off, try heating the bolt centers with a torch. Somehow the added heat in the center of the bolt will make the bolt come out of the bed without breaking in half. My neighbor taught me this, He does this kind of stuff everyday.

 

[modelageek]

Interesting I did not know there were 9.8. I thought the next strongest was 10.8

 

[Madracingalley]

GM Started 9.8 bolts in the 1970's
I have a 78 Chevette and there are plenty of them...
In the Rangers I Know they have them on the alternator bracket...