Center Bolt for Leaf Springs?

[Canandaigua]

I have a '57 3100 Pickup.
I need the Center Bolts for my leaf springs. 2 for front. 2 for rear.
Any ideas?

Thanks.

[jams97355]

Local part store. Just measure the old ones or the hole sizes and lengths and they should be able to hook you up.

[dwcsr]

When you change them get a rod that's the same size as the hole and stack the leaves in order, then take two C clamps the squeeze the leaves tight, remove the rod and put in the center pin and tighten it then remove the clamps. Don't over tighten it and don't try to crank the spring back together with the new center pin, cut the new pin off at about a 1/4 - 3/8" above the nut and peen over the threaded end. center pins are soft metal under grade 5 so they strip easily.

[tmoble]

one thing I used to do was to assemble the leafs pointing is all different directions. get the bolt in loosely and then work the individual springs into the stack so they're lined up. after that then tighten up the center bolt.

[Canandaigua]

I am sorry to say I don't have the old ones.
And ... aren't the Center Bolts made from some special form of steel?

Is there any place (internet site) that sells them?

Thanks

[pvienneau]

Yes, lot's of the sites sell them, but the local stores should have something you could use in the place of online. http://www.classicparts.com/1934-70-.../#.V1QrSGbmqP8

[dennislbrooks]

The center bolt has 2 purposes - one is to line up the leaves/hold them together and the other is to help center the springpack to the axle perch. A grade 5 probably 5/16'" bolt will suffice and if needed can be shortened with a sawsall any extra threads after installed.

I measure the hole in the axle perch with the bolt head to see if the bolt head is nearly the same size --to center springs on the perch -- and if necessary even round the hex head to get a fit.

The u bolts will hold everything together-- axle perch and leaf pack together. For bigger trucks it may jump to a 3/8" bolt.

[1958Warrior]

Also, While your at it. This would be a good time to bevel the ends of the springs where they contact the next spring, with a angle grinder clean and paint them and place some spring liner in-between them . Doing so will improve the ride and your backside will thank you for it.

And Oreilly's carries a good assortment of center bolts , may have to wait a day or two if they have to order them in:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...0966/C0361.oap

[Canandaigua]

Thank you EVERYONE ....

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Canandaigua

I am sorry to say I don't have the old ones.
And ... aren't the Center Bolts made from some special form of steel?

Is there any place (internet site) that sells them?

Thanks

They are also shear pins for the axle using grade 8 or 5 defeats the purpose of the pin. Along with keeping the stack in alignment it also shears when you hit a curb or big hole so you don't break a spring or spring shackle. They are soft metal

find your size here an go to a parts store and get them
http://www.dormanproducts.com/c-651-...ter-bolts.aspx

if you can't get it there go to any spring shop in your area they will have some for sure.

[dennislbrooks]

If you can slide the axle perch on the spring pack after installed -- even after hitting a curb --you had better re-check the torque on the u bolts.

http://www.suspensionspecialists.com/tech0004.html

[Canandaigua]

OK ... thanks again for that information gentlemen.

[_Ogre]

sandblasted, painted, teflon liners, removed 2 short overloads and new center bolt (installed upsidedown for axle flip)

[dsraven]

what a lot of guys do that work on springs every day, is lay each seperate leaf of the spring on the floor with the arch up, then give it a good whack with a big hammer. if it doesn't break then re-use it. if it breaks then that just saved you a head ache.
the centre bolt should be able to be sourced from any spring shop. is there a trailer repair shop nearby? napa? they can also supply new u bolts, which should be replaced when doing spring work. shop guys will tell you u bolts are single use due to stretch, like a head bolt on an engine.
do like dswr says, clamp before installing the centre bolt because the steel is soft and the bolt will strip if you try to suck the spring leaves together with the bolt. cleaning, painting and installing the teflon slippers is also a great idea.

[Mac the Yankee]

Anyone have a good place to get new rebound clips? All of my folded ones are shot!

[Coupeguy2001]

BTW, Chevy sells them also

[_Ogre]

is lay each seperate leaf of the spring on the floor with the arch up, then give it a good whack with a big hammer

i worked for the school bus garage with 2 state inspections every year
if it was broke we replaced it, if it wasn't broke we didn't hammer it
good enough for the state inspectors....

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

When you change them get a rod that's the same size as the hole and stack the leaves in order, then take two C clamps the squeeze the leaves tight, remove the rod and put in the center pin and tighten it then remove the clamps. Don't over tighten it and don't try to crank the spring back together with the new center pin, cut the new pin off at about a 1/4 - 3/8" above the nut and peen over the threaded end. center pins are soft metal under grade 5 so they strip easily.

What he said!

Brian