Good morning all, I am rebuilding my 1978 f-250 twin I-Beam suspension which is in my 65 f-250 truck. Before I start hammering on this bolt I would ask for some help to make sure this bolt is meant to come out. I'm hoping it is just rusted in place. Any help please.

 

That bolt does come out to separate the radius arm from the I beam. It is more then likely seized in there and will need some penetrating lube and heat to get out. You could always leave it in and remove the whole radius arm and I beam together. That's how I did it on my old 69. But if your doing a thorough rebuild best to disassemble clean, paint and replace all bushings.

 

Some anti seize on the bolts on reinstall is a good idea as well.

 

Thanks. I was sure it should come out. Soaking it now and will try some heat too. I want to not only rebuild but media blast and paint all parts. Worst case scenario, i ruin the bolts coming out and have to install new ones. Thanks again for the input.

 

Well, just a quick update. I did get the bolt out and it was tack welded to the radius arm. Have everything out and now the clean up begins.

 

Good to see you got the bolts out and everything disassembled. A fresh coat of paint on the parts will make things under there look nice when it's all back together.

 

Not clear why PO felt it necessary to tack weld the spindle, and/or radius arm to the I Bean? Before putting too much time and effort into cleaning and reassembly suggest pay a few buck and have a shop check to insure components are within limits; speaking from experience.

 

Good point Dave, The PO got the 78 i beam with disc brakes from a donor truck and just put it under the 65 and did not even install fresh parts. When I get them back from bead blast I will examine closely and go from there. Thanks