Hardware sizing for rear leaf replacement

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Apr 9, 2013 | 11:02 AM

cnice_37

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Joined: Jul 2009

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Hardware sizing for rear leaf replacement

Hi guys,

I recently snapped a couple leafs in the rear of my '86 F250, 4x4. I got a replacement pack (2) from a '94 yesterday.

One side will just get the new leafs. The other side also needs the rear perch / hanger whatever you call it. This appears to be riveted on.

Aside from U-bolts, what grade 8 HW am I looking to buy? I'd like to have it on hand, but have no idea the sizes of these things.

I'm assuming nothing can be re-used, and everything from shackle mount HW, bushings, and nuts/ bolts will need to be replaced.

Rock Auto was rather hard to decipher.

Thanks in advance.

Apr 9, 2013 | 11:38 AM

Franklin2

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Joined: Jan 2001

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From: Virginia

Just drill the rivet heads out till the bit is even with the frame, and then take a chisel and a hammer and knock the head off. Then take a punch and punch the rest of the rivet through the frame. Grade 5 would be plenty strong enough. You can use a higher grade if you like. The cheapest place to get bolts in my area is Tractor Supply where you buy them by the pound.

I would not mess with the bushings, they are very hard to remove. Unless they are really worn out just re-use them.

You will probably need to find a long threaded bolt to re-bolt the spring together in the middle. The factory used a special bolt, but I usually just get a regular bolt and grind the head down till it's round and the right size. I also try to find a long bolt with threads all the way, so it can help me compress the "new" spring back together.

My local Ford dealer had the spring shackle and frame bracket in stock, and at a very good price.