1974 Rear Spring Shackle Removal Problem

[LynnJr]

Guys I had my entire frame powder coated in gloss black and now I can't get the rear spring bolt out of the shackle to replace/upgrade the bushing.
The nut has been removed but the bolt won't budge at all.I think it is locked into the rubber somehow.
I can't use a torch as the powder coat would melt.I tried beating on the exposed section of the bolt but it hasn't done anything.
Any ideas on how I could get this bolt removed without damaging the powder coating?
Lynn

[83GMCK2500]

This is exceedingly common, there is a steel sleeve inside the bushing, the bolt is likely rusted to it. Can you slip a hacksaw blade in next to the leaf/shackle and cut through the bolt?

[meatwagon83]

bigger hammer

[LynnJr]

In looking at it a hacksaw won't go all the way across and low enough at the same time to cut all the way through.
I will try and post a picture soon.
Lynn

P.S.I was using a 5 pound sledge and hitting the backed off nut with a 4x4 against the frame to keep it from moving across the shop floor.I think the rags between the frame and 4x4 were absorbing to much of the hammers energy.

[74 stepside]

You had the frame powdercoated with the bolts left in? I just had my frame done too, but removed everything first. Post up a picture so we can help you out easier.

[LynnJr]

Now that you mention it I don't remember the springs being in place but I still can't get that one bolt out.
I see by your handle that you have a 74 stepside.I am having trouble with the rear most bolt that goes through the springs eye near the tailgate.
It is a 4x4 but I don't think that makes a difference? The bolt will turn but using Kroil,WD-40 or anything else won't let it come out.

I had the frame the bellhousing the window posts the bumper brackets the drive shafts the shift levers and the floor of the bed is a 301 pound piece of diamond plate all done in gloss black.
The radiator support the floor pan the wheelwells and the mustang tail lights are done in white.
I am trying to put it all back together now and a few glitches are slowing me way down.
Lynn

[James McClure]

You have a saws all? BUY one and with it a few pcks of hacksaw blades and cut BOTH ends of the bolts on the inside next to the rubber bushing and let the spring fall out. Make REAL sure you support the FRAME real well and have an extra jack handy for the axel. When you replace the bolts, grease (anti-sieze) the crap out of the inside of the bushing. If you prepare them for future removal you won't ever have to remove them. If you don't, you'll be fighting them out 10 years from now. Murphy's law don't ya know.

[74 stepside]

Take a punch or long bolt and hit it with a hammer on the other end of the stuck bolt. It should push back out. Spray some wd40 or whatever on the stuck bolt, then hit it.

[74 stepside]

Is this the bolt you are talking about? (BOTTOM BOLT) If it is, is it powdercoated also?

[LynnJr]

Thats it !!!! but mine doesn't have the 4 bolts holding the mount to the frame.Did you cut off the rivets?
I will try and see if a Sawz-All will fit without chewing up the power coating.
Lynn

[88Jimmy4x4]

Problem is the bushing inner sleeve is rusted to bolt and spinning inside the rubber, no amount of pounding will free that. Sawzall or use a cutting disc maybe
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[74 stepside]

Originally Posted by LynnJr

Thats it !!!! but mine doesn't have the 4 bolts holding the mount to the frame.Did you cut off the rivets?
I will try and see if a Sawz-All will fit without chewing up the power coating.
Lynn

Yes I removed all the rivets and bolted them in. That way when I later change to a bolt on 4 link, the hangers can be removed and still be powdercoated underneith. If your bolt is rusted then Im guessing they were left on during powdercoating. I still think they can be pushed out the other way. A sledge hammer will loosen it just like a stuck balljoint. My opinion.
Post up a pic..

[LynnJr]

I guess I forgot to mention its a 4x4.I just looked the shackle again and it looks like I can take the spring off first and cut the bolt off or drill it out from the outside edge.On the inside edge you can't get a hacksaw or cut-off wheel in there as the shackle itself is in the way.
In the picture look at the edge closest to the frame and see what you think.I know it is covered in dirt.
The other picture is the bottom side of the diamond plate floor in the bed from the bottom with less dirt on it.

[rs74]

I end having to use a 4" cut off wheel to get some of mine out.

[74 stepside]

Did you try breaking it loose with a socket and breaker bar?

[LynnJr]

I took the nut off already I just can't remove the bolt itself.
It turns out the springs were off it during the powder coating but not the shackle.
I will see if I can drill out the bolt from both ends after cutting the ends as short as is possible first.

[88Jimmy4x4]

Cut the shackle in half and buy a new one
Posted via Mobile Device

[rs74]

I just end up buying new shackles because no one could get me the right rubber bushing. If you are going with a poly bushing then it shouldn't be a problem. I end up spending $50 for the pair of shackles.