Cant get track bar bolt out of the bracket on my 1968 Chevy C10

[HeavyHauler]

I am trying to remove the factory rear differential track bar on my 1968 Chevy C10 short bed fleetside and the bolt that goes through the bracket on the frame side will not come out.

I was able to remove the end connected on the 12 bolt differential but the frame side bolt will not come out at all.

What is the trick in getting that bolt out of the bracket so I can get the track bar out of the bracket?

The track bar is factory and looks like it has never been removed before most likely.

[69Tom]

It's probably just stuck in there. Put the nut back on part way and give it a couple of good whacks with a hammer. I removed mine about 2 or 3 months ago, but can't remember if I had any issues or not with it.

[saxart]

Did you try to drive the bolt out with a punch and hammer?

[ltdmstr]

I did mine a couple weeks ago and it was a huge PIA. There's a steel sleeve inside the rubber bushing and that was rusted solid to the bolt and the dried rubber was on it just as well. The nut snapped off when I tried to remove it. Then after spending several hours fighting to get the remainder out, I ended up drilling the bolt head and snapping it off. Even after both the bolt head and nut were off it probably took another half an hour to get it apart. If I had to do over again, I'd try using a sawzall to cut the bolt inside the frame bracket. Oh, and if it's anything like mine, after you get the bar out of the frame, you'll need a hydraulic press to get the rubber and bushing out. At least that part was quick and easy.

[custom10nut]

Heat it up and hit it a few times with a BFH.
You could also tried soaking it with penetrating oil, and tapping on it to create the vibration to let the oil do its job. Repeat this every day for three or four days, and it should come loose

[kidatheart]

A little careful persuasion with "gas axe" can help....

[HeavyHauler]

My track bar is stuck just like Itdmstr was saying. I hit mine with a 2lb hammer like crazy and then I hit it with a 5lb hammer and it would not budge. I then got out a air hammer and it also did nothing.

I will try to cut it out tomorrow. I will most likely destroy the factory track bar but at least it will be out and can put the new one in. LOL!

[68 P.O.S.]

I did mine 2 months ago and had the same experience with the sleeve rust welded to the bolt. I sawzall'd both sides. It was a pita for sure.

[maverickmk]

Originally Posted by custom10nut

Heat it up and hit it a few times with a BFH.
You could also tried soaking it with penetrating oil, and tapping on it to create the vibration to let the oil do its job. Repeat this every day for three or four days, and it should come loose

Don't do both of these at the same time

[HeavyHauler]

Originally Posted by maverickmk

Don't do both of these at the same time

I ended up having to cut the bolt and I was able to save the factory track bar with zero damage to the bracket.

[HO455]

Congratulations on the great work and saving both pieces.