Rear leaf front #!"&*!! mounting bolts. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cobinder · 11-05-2007, 12:29 AM

Wantin to remove the stock rear leafs from my 80 GMC K20 and have them blasted, new bushings and install my ORD flip kit. Only problem I can't get the old front bolts to even budge. The nut sets in the mount in such a way that 27 years of crap have nested in there and rusted the nut and bolt together. Ya can't get to it with a wench, socket, torch, sawsall or tnt.

HELP!!

62 short step · 11-05-2007, 08:36 AM

What about an air chisel? Would that work? Post a pic if you can.

**Yukon Jack** · 11-05-2007, 09:21 AM

I had to use a cut off wheel and/or a sawzall, can't remember for sure which I used, to cut the bolts on my front springs as they were also seized. I cut between the spring and the mount on both sides of the spring. Luckily I was replacing the springs as I'm not sure how I would have got them out once I got the springs off the vehicle.

**special-K** · 11-05-2007, 09:31 AM

I cut mine like Yukon Jack.Most likely the bolt shanks are so gaulld up and rusted in the spring eye that they won`t come out.You`ll me using new bushings anyway and get grade 8 hardware.I use anti-sieze on all that stuff.I`ve never had anything come loose.

eric67m · 11-05-2007, 09:50 AM

I'm going thru this currently. All four bolts I was able to get the nuts off but the bolts will not spin. I assume they are frozen into the bushing. I tried wrenches, breaker bars, impacts, jig saw blade(bolt is too hard), It looks like I am going to take the cutting torch and remove as much of the bolt from the outside and then try to remove the shaft of the bolt without damaging the frame. Then possibly pry the spring out of the frame holder. Good luck with yours.

Blue_71 · 11-05-2007, 10:24 AM

i did it like yukon and special-k, then with the spring sitting on a set of jackstands i used a matco air chisel and knocked the rubber and center sleeve/bolt out of the bushing. that left only a little metal sleeve that also got knocked out with the air chisel.

1969k10stepside · 11-05-2007, 11:55 AM

I used the torch to get mine off..and I even saved the spring pack! I got the nut off,but the bolt wouldn't turn.I used a breaker bar with a 3' aluminum pipe on it and it finally moved but it wasn't going to come out.After a hour or so of heating it,cutting the ends off,and hammering at it the rest came out.The bushings on fire smelled real good too!!!

Ace in the hole · 11-05-2007, 12:00 PM

another vote for the cut off wheel here. I tried a sawzall too but the hardened bolts tend to eat blades pretty fast.

**special-K** · 11-05-2007, 12:53 PM

Yeah,between the sawzall and cutt-off wheels the wheel did the job.I had some gnarly recue sawzall blades,but ran through those pretty quick using thread cutting oil.You can`t get good pressure on the blade,either.I actually ended up cutting into the rear hanger on both sides to get deep enough.I just welded the little slot up.Makes you wonder why the bushings don`t take grease.I use anti-seize on the new bolt shanks.

cobinder · 11-05-2007, 03:50 PM

I already got my ORD greasable bolts. I just can't get the old POS out. But thats today goal in life LOL

cobinder · 11-05-2007, 08:15 PM

Can't imagine why it wouldn't come off. The bolt was so seized up it was like it was welded. Drop everything right now and go grease your leaf spring pivot mounts you'll thank me later. LOL.

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. A 7" cutting disc on the body grinder is the total way to go, anything else and your just finger f***ing for hours.

68K20 x Drill · 11-05-2007, 10:53 PM

Lots of WD and a #10 sledge often does it for me.
Anyone interested in an article on repairing ovalised shackle bolt holes?

earl87gta · 11-07-2007, 02:04 AM

Thats what my rear one looked like I had to cut them off too.

11-05-2007, 08:36 AM	#2
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts.** What about an air chisel? Would that work? Post a pic if you can.

11-05-2007, 09:21 AM	#3
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts.** I had to use a cut off wheel and/or a sawzall, can't remember for sure which I used, to cut the bolts on my front springs as they were also seized. I cut between the spring and the mount on both sides of the spring. Luckily I was replacing the springs as I'm not sure how I would have got them out once I got the springs off the vehicle. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

11-05-2007, 09:31 AM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts.** I cut mine like Yukon Jack.Most likely the bolt shanks are so gaulld up and rusted in the spring eye that they won`t come out.You`ll me using new bushings anyway and get grade 8 hardware.I use anti-sieze on all that stuff.I`ve never had anything come loose. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-05-2007, 09:50 AM	#5
eric67m Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 298	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts.** I'm going thru this currently. All four bolts I was able to get the nuts off but the bolts will not spin. I assume they are frozen into the bushing. I tried wrenches, breaker bars, impacts, jig saw blade(bolt is too hard), It looks like I am going to take the cutting torch and remove as much of the bolt from the outside and then try to remove the shaft of the bolt without damaging the frame. Then possibly pry the spring out of the frame holder. Good luck with yours. __________________ 67 K10, lwb, fleetside, 327, 4spd, 205, cab and 3/4 frame swap, 14 bolt, big window, and a "rustoleum roll job"

11-05-2007, 11:55 AM	#7
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts.** I used the torch to get mine off..and I even saved the spring pack! I got the nut off,but the bolt wouldn't turn.I used a breaker bar with a 3' aluminum pipe on it and it finally moved but it wasn't going to come out.After a hour or so of heating it,cutting the ends off,and hammering at it the rest came out.The bushings on fire smelled real good too!!! Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 11-05-2007 at 11:55 AM.

11-05-2007, 12:29 AM	#1
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	*Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts.** Wantin to remove the stock rear leafs from my 80 GMC K20 and have them blasted, new bushings and install my ORD flip kit. Only problem I can't get the old front bolts to even budge. The nut sets in the mount in such a way that 27 years of crap have nested in there and rusted the nut and bolt together. Ya can't get to it with a wench, socket, torch, sawsall or tnt. HELP!! __________________ Good luck with your truck! How much?! It's just an old truck part!! 49 International on a 80 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 chassis 48 International KB-5 2 ton dump bed 04 Honda CRF "500" 09 Honda CRF450 fuel injected rocket 03 Suzuki hayabusa carbonfiber wheeled monster. 02 Ford diesel stretch van (toy hauler) 01 38' Monaco diesel pusher motorhome

11-05-2007, 12:00 PM	#8
Ace in the hole Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA Posts: 538	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts.** another vote for the cut off wheel here. I tried a sawzall too but the hardened bolts tend to eat blades pretty fast. __________________ 1970 K20, 350--- SOLD 05 silverado extended cab short box- duramax Jeep wrangler unlimited

11-05-2007, 12:53 PM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts.** Yeah,between the sawzall and cutt-off wheels the wheel did the job.I had some gnarly recue sawzall blades,but ran through those pretty quick using thread cutting oil.You can`t get good pressure on the blade,either.I actually ended up cutting into the rear hanger on both sides to get deep enough.I just welded the little slot up.Makes you wonder why the bushings don`t take grease.I use anti-seize on the new bolt shanks. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-05-2007, 03:50 PM	#10
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts.** I already got my ORD greasable bolts. I just can't get the old POS out. But thats today goal in life LOL __________________ Good luck with your truck! How much?! It's just an old truck part!! 49 International on a 80 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 chassis 48 International KB-5 2 ton dump bed 04 Honda CRF "500" 09 Honda CRF450 fuel injected rocket 03 Suzuki hayabusa carbonfiber wheeled monster. 02 Ford diesel stretch van (toy hauler) 01 38' Monaco diesel pusher motorhome

11-05-2007, 08:15 PM	#11
cobinder Everything is work in progress Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 326	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts. Can't imagine why it wouldn't come off. The bolt was so seized up it was like it was welded. Drop everything right now and go grease your leaf spring pivot mounts you'll thank me later. LOL. Thanks guys for all the suggestions. A 7" cutting disc on the body grinder is the total way to go, anything else and your just finger fing for hours. Attached Images __________________ Good luck with your truck! How much?! It's just an old truck part!! 49 International on a 80 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 chassis 48 International KB-5 2 ton dump bed 04 Honda CRF "500" 09 Honda CRF450 fuel injected rocket 03 Suzuki hayabusa carbonfiber wheeled monster. 02 Ford diesel stretch van (toy hauler) 01 38' Monaco diesel pusher motorhome Last edited by cobinder; 11-05-2007 at 08:16 PM.*

11-05-2007, 10:53 PM	#12
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts. Lots of WD and a #10 sledge often does it for me. Anyone interested in an article on repairing ovalised shackle bolt holes? __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20** Parts? Truck And a few cars

11-07-2007, 02:04 AM	#13
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	*Re: Rear leaf front #!"&!! mounting bolts.** Thats what my rear one looked like I had to cut them off too. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

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