How to remove leaf bolt

[Mikewb]

Idea on how to get the bolt that holds the leafs together out?

[N2TRUX]

I use large C clamps on either side of the bolt. Once they are clamped in place take the nut off and use a punch to drive it out.

[Mikewb]

are we talkinn about the same one? i may not have been very clear. im talking about the one that runs through the stack of leafs

[Mikewb]

since the bolt is round on the bottom it just spins when i try and loosen the nut. Best bet be to cut it off?

[N2TRUX]

Yes, the center pin. I clamp the spring pack first, then use vise grip to hold one end and a ratchet on the other end. It is usually rusted enough that it requires some persuasion to get it out of the pack. Especially if the pack has shifted any.

You can cut the head off if you prefer. They should always be replaced with a new one anyway.

[Mikewb]

ok. ill try that. Are you able to buy new ones if i end up having to cut it off?

[LONGHAIR]

Yes, you can buy new ones, but take N2TRUX's advice. Be sure to clamp the springs together very well before you attempt to remove the center pin. There is a lot of stored energy there, it will litterally jump apart if not contained.

Also, assuming that you are going to seperate the leaves for some reason, be careful when re-assembling the stack. The leaves need to be clamped back together, don't try to pull them together with the center bolt. It is just there to hold the stack once they are together.

[Pop's C-10]

you can get some from tha parts store..i know advance carried them..i jus ordered a set off amazon,,came out cheaper that way..

[N2TRUX]

Surprisingly, most auto parts don't carry them. If you have a shop nearby that does lifting or lowering, they will have them in surplus. As LONGHAIR mentions, be sure to use the C clamps to compress the pack on install too. The pins are usually pretty long, so I use them to get all the leaves in place, then slowly compress the pack and align leaves as I go. Once everything is aligned, then tighten down the pin. You will probably need to cut the excess length off once you are done.

Also, don't forget to double check your U-bolts after a few days of driving. No matter how much you tighten them, they are prone to stretch and loosen a bit after some break in. Hit them all around one more time and you should be good to go.

[Mikewb]

ok thanks guys. just going to take a leaf out of each side seeing as how i have one in the stack that is broke in half

[Mikewb]

and anybody take out the overload spring and still haul stuff? make much of a difference?

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by Mikewb

and anybody take out the overload spring and still haul stuff? make much of a difference?

It depends upon your definition of "stuff". As long as you don't have enough of a load to hit the over-load springs, you will not notice the difference. If you do, it will bang on the bump-stops

[N2TRUX]

I have pulled the overload on several 88-98 trucks, but not on the 73-87s. Regardless it will give you 3/4" of drop if you don't have a flip kit.

[Tony@AirRideTech]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

Yes, you can buy new ones, but take N2TRUX's advice. Be sure to clamp the springs together very well before you attempt to remove the center pin. There is a lot of stored energy there, it will litterally jump apart if not contained.

Ha .... I know a guyt that literally almost lost his index finger by standing on a pack of leaves and torching the head off.... He had done that trick a dozen times before. All it takes is once.... ha ha ha ha ha

[Mikewb]

Another question.are the plastic pad things that are in between the leafs a part that needs to be there?

[LONGHAIR]

I would leave them in. They "lubricate" the sliding action between the leaves. This softens the ride somewhat as well as reducing wear on the ends of the leaves where they rub the longer ones above them.

[Mikewb]

ok reason i ask is because the leaf i removed had the hole in it that the plastic stuck to.. So it wont kill it to not have it in there right?

[N2TRUX]

It's not required, but good to have. As mentioned it reduces friction and noise so it's worth replacing if you can locate one.

[Gobbles]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

You can cut the head off if you prefer. They should always be replaced with a new one anyway.

That worked for me!

[Mikewb]

what everybody use to paint there leafs and rear end? I got some rustoleum semi gloss that im going to try. or should i use something flat?

[N2TRUX]

I never use flat paint on anything. It's to chalky and stains easily. My personal preference is good old Krylon Satin Black. I have seen good results with the Summit Racing brand of chassis paint, and Eastwood has tons of great product.

[Gobbles]

I used POR15, without the chassis top coat, and so far it looks good. I havent had it out on the road yet though.