I-Beam to Radius arm Bolt size/length

[ratdude747]

This weekend I will be attempting to replace the radius arms on my 1995 RWD (the bushings are failing and one arm has a rust hole). Based on past experience, I imagine that the long bolts that go through the beam, arm, and spring retainer (with 2 nuts) will be rusted away and may need to cut off (if I can't get it with a wrench and socket/breaker bar and a MAPP torch).

However, outside of some overpriced part kits on ebay (with arms), I can't find replacement hardware anywhere nor can I find a size/spec. I'd like to have the parts in-hand before I begin the work. Also, I'm on the road for work (in a rental van) so I can't measure it right now.

If somebody could tell me the sizes of said hardware (Class 10/ grade 8, I know), that would be great. Or somebody selling the bolts and nuts as a kit that I can order.

 

[BlackBII]

EDIT: My bad. RWD is different and only uses one long bolt. Sorry I am of no help.

The following is for the 4x4 beams/radius arms.

You can buy new bolts here, though they are not cheap. I Beam Bolt

The top bolt is a two part bolt; the radius arm is bolted down with the 3/4-10 part, and the coil spring uses the 5/8 - 11 part. The lower beam bolt is just a regular 3/4-10 bolt.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Be ready, because they're expensive. I sourced some grade #8 on Ebay for cheaper than Ford wanted for theirs. I'm not 100% on these being correct but some additional research should confirm it quite easily.

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-part...MI-cPYuO_X4QIV2LXACh0-rA1uEAQYAiABEgIIZ_D_BwE

 

[BlackBII]

Yikes. $27 for one bolt.

You'll probably have better luck pulling the bolt out and going into Fastenal or ACE Hardware and getting one of similar length.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I've never pulled one out that was actually bad. If you squirt them enough, several times, a few days prior to removal, you shouldn't have any problems. You live in a similar location to me as far as rust and salted roads, etc.

If it's not a pressing issue, I may have a couple spares here in a few days. I'm doing a beam swap right now.

 

[ratdude747]

I'll look into it. On my last ranger one was fine while the other was a pile of powdered rust under the spring "cup".

 

[Locotomb]

I know my first generation bolt is 3/4x8” with a 1-1/8” hex head. Cost me $17 apiece at Fastnel for a 9” bolt.not sure if the trucks are the same but the shock lower mount was 18mm both bolt and nut, while the top is 15 and 18mm.

 

[ratdude747]

Update: I have tomorrow through Sunday off, so I went ahead and pulled it apart this evening. Or as far as removing everything but the through bolt and the end nut/bushings. Good news: both nut and bolt sets are in very good shape. Not the powdered mess I had last time.