replacing leaf spring shackle bolts?

[northeimcustom]

I am just installing some drop shackles and I had to cut two bolts off. Stock i am assuming, They appear to be 5 &1/2 inches long 1/2" ish, grade 8. However, the brand new grade 8s I can find locally are 5" (which is fine for length) 1/2" diameter grade 8s. The shaft of the new bolts seem to be smaller in diameter than the ones I cut out. So there is a fuzz of play?

What do I do??

[mongoose]

they're 9/16' bolts.

[northeimcustom]

Thanks!OK great, I guess the hardware store that I was at didn't carry the 9/16" bolts in grade 8. They do have to be grade 8 right??

I know this should be posted in the suspension forum, but the response in that specific forum doesn't yield as many informative responses.

Thanks!

[74 stepside]

Originally Posted by northeimcustom

Thanks!OK great, I guess the hardware store that I was at didn't carry the 9/16" bolts in grade 8. They do have to be grade 8 right??

I know this should be posted in the suspension forum, but the response in that specific forum doesn't yield as many informative responses.

Thanks!

Yes, stick with grade 8.

[donut]

If your striking out at the local hardware store, try an industrial supply place (like Fastenal). IIRC, that's where I ended up when I did mine.

[Square_78]

Go to your local spring shop or trailer hitch shop and they will have the bolts. I replaced all my leaf spring bolts and got them from the same place that bent me my u-bolts.

[lilpoindexter]

You can also mail order them from McMaster-Carr. I'm lucky enough to live close to one of their warehouses in Santa Fe Springs, CA, so i can order stuff over the phone and pick it up in about an hour.