I need to replace my leaf springs since they are getting rusty and they look like they were modified by the previous owner which kind of worries me...anyway, I got all but this one bolt out on the passenger side leaf toward the front. This bolt is like the bi*** from hell. I started with a nice big old wrench, worked on the rear bolts so whatever, then moved to the air ratchet, next came the impact drill, then the WD-40 and liquid wrench and the impact drill, then the torch and more impact drill, then i gave it a little tap with the hammer, then i got dirty and wacked it once on the side with a mini-sledge. I dont think i wacked it too hard or heated it enough but this thing is evil. Anyone got any ideas on how to get it off? And also any recomendations for replacements?

 

just cut the b**** off. Get a air cutter, or even a dremel. It'll be done in no time. IF there is room. I dont know exactly where this bolt is. and BTW, for some reason, you made me laugh, when you said that it looks modified and it worries you.

 

lol, ya, it goes big leaf, smaller leaf, big leaf, small leaf and then there is a new clamp that is definatly aftermarket home depot material. I cant really cut the bolt off though but I may cut the spring jsut to get the pressure off the bolt. I have a grinder that should work. When i get it off i'll post pics so you all can check this thing out.

 

Is this the front eye bolt that holds the spring up? if so, I hope you have the rear out already.. Anyway, remove the shackles in the rear, they can be a pita* too. Then you can move the spring around and possibly use an old trick of mine. You need to move it first, just far enough to get a wrench that fits over the shank, but is smaller than the bolt head. Then holding the wrench, you whack the bolt end with a hammer. Gloves help alot with the impact of the hammer on your hands. Vice grips ( the real ones) work good for this as well.

A punch and hammer works well if you can get on the end of the bolt with it and hit it straight out the hole.

If its the shackle just keep hitting it till it comes out. You will sweat a couple buckets, even in a cold garage doing this.

If you are fighting the bolt that holds the springs together, you dont need to mess with it as its an assembly. Just buy a new spring and install it in the front eye and buy a new set of shackles.

 

ya, im messing with the bolt in the front eye. It's not that I cant get it to come out of the whole. its that the nut is so tight on the bolt that it won't come loose. I'm gonna try and wack it on the side wtih a mini-sledge. I used a wrench and the nut is so tight that when I pulled on the nut I literally lifted myself off the ground trying to get it to give.

 

finally got the buggers off and cleaned up the axle. looks actuaully quite pretty but there are the cursed leaf springs. I had to heat the damn things extensivly and the bang it with a sledge and then the impact got it out. the second pic is a better way to see the gap in the spring and the interesting aftermarket clamps.


[IMG]local://upfiles/16555/2B50BF54A65246DC86719EBF8F189DFF.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/16555/A36229E4727141FAB22A9D4D445BE742.jpg[/IMG]

 

Yeah Bill, get new springs.. heat does nasty things to springs... Glad you got em off.