Does anybody have any idea how to get the front bolt out of the leaf spring. I'm trying to upgrade the suspension on a 65 convertible with the grab-a-trak kit, but, can't get the front of the spring off. The nut seems to be welded to the tab - is this correct. Can't budge the bolt from the inside either. Tried penetrating oil on the nut but no help. Wondering if my Jack stands just aft of the nut on the frame might be causing some binding. Any ideas appreciated. picture attached of nut and bolt as seen from rear looking forward.

Ste7of1


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i had to cut mine off. i could only get 1 nut free and even then i couldn't move the bolt at all.

 

heat it with the torch. if not u can cut it out

 

So then, I assume that both the nut and bolt are suppose to come out? I couldn't budge it at all. I put it back together with the old spring still in place. That wasn't easy either. Couldn't get the u-bolts to line up until I finally put a second jack under the spring to compress it. I started trying to pull the axle down to the spring - wrong! I wonder if I would have been able to get the new spring compressed enough to put back together if I had gotten the old one off.

Thanks for the advice.

Ste7of1

 

Hi there
I just got my 67 springs out the other day and they were very very very tight.
I managed to undo to bolt with two ring spanners and a extention bar.
if it will not budge you may need to cut it off.
I had to make sure to diff and axle was level before i could slide the bolt out.
Both sides were very tight but they came with some effort.
Jed

 

You need to cut it off with a sawzall. You need to make two cuts, both just inside the hanger.

 

Thanks, at least I know it can be done. That is essentially what I was trying to do. Even bought a new wrench for more leverage, but, no luck. I'm not sure how level the axle was. I had the car on Jack stands under the rear frame extension (right in my way of course). I'm thinking a frame lift might be the way to go, then try again otherwise I guess cutting them off will be in the plan.

Ste7of1

 

I'm betting the reason you can't get it apart is because the grade 8 bolt is bent. Same thing happenned to me. Bottom line...you have to get under there with a sawz all and a boat load of blades and start hacking away. I couldn't get the right access with my cutting rig. Anyway. The bolt was bent and the only way I could get the spring down was to seperate the bolt. Have fun!

 

Thanks, I've got the sawzall, guess I need some blades. I'll have to wait to get the replacement bolts, then try again. Sounds like a great way to spend the day.

Ste7of1

 

The chances of the saws all working are slim. I tried that with mine about a month ago. No dice because when you try and cut the bolt you will run right into the sleeve that runs from one side of the rubber bushing to the other side. This bushing is hardened and the only way was for me to use a cut off wheel and cut off sections of the spring that wraps around the bushing. It will take some time but, its the only way. Unless you are lucky enough to get past the bushing, the saws all will be a bust.