Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

Hi everyone. I'm trying to get the front bolt out of my front leaf spring on my 69 4x4. I can get the nut off and the bolt has moved a little, but that thing will just not come out. Is there some sort of trick to getting these things out? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brian

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

it may be rusted to the spring eye sleeve. that would probably let it move a little but not allow it to come out. given that you are in michigan, that isnt totally wierd. you may have to get destructive to remove it.

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

Darn.... That's not what I wanted to hear. Thank you for the reply though.. Does make sense, if there is a sleeve in there, I'm sure the bolt has probably froze to it.

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

Yup, probably rusted. Forgive me for asking, but wanted to make sure you have the axle supported so there's no weight on the bolt.

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

The weight is off it, so its not binding or anything like that. I really wanted to reuse the bolt and sleeve. If I end up having to cut it, I'd have to end up replacing the bolt, sleeve, and bushings, is that correct? Is the bolt hardware store type item, or special order?

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

I believe LMC has that sleeve and bushing. Don't think its a auto parts over the counter thing.

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

if it is rusted enough that you cant get it out, re-use is not that great of an idea anyhow. bushings and new hardware are cheap and not a good place for going low-buck.

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

Get new parts. Then, heat up the bolt with a small torch to melt the rubber and slide it all out. Once the holt iz out you can ptobanly pry out yhe bushing. Put in new bushings and bolt...you may or may not have to chisel out the sleeve depending on size of replacement bushing.

It will stink like burnt rubber and watch your flame...

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

Need to use a torch to burn up the rubber and/or cut the bolt. Big hammer needed to pound out. Make sure you have plenty of ventilation and mask when burning the rubber bushings. New parts are cheap. I wouldn't plan on reusing anything. I would buy all new hardware. Good luck.

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

Well, thanks everyone. I tried the bfh method extensively. That was a no go. metal cutting blade in the saw did the trick. Probably could reuse the busing. It has replacement nylon's in it. I'll probably replace bushings anyhow. Have to pick up a new bolt and sleeve.

Re: Remove front bolt from front leaf spring 67-72
 

Fastenal has 9/16 hardware.