I got some new leaf spring/hangers and had a bit if difficulty getting the front bolt out, so i cut the spring, not being sure if i could find one local.

The bolt is worn and i want to replace it. It's 11/16" and 6" long, and has "10.9" stamped on the head.

I've looked online trying to find one at the typical auto part stores, and even other places i might order them, but can't find anything. I figure i might get one at Lowe's or Home Depot, as i found in a forum that 10.9 metric is roughly grade 8. I also saw a suggestion of Fastenall as a source. I found a couple of prospects there, at 18mm (original seems to be 11/16" whcih is 17.5mm, but it might fit) & 150mm length, but so far only in 1.5mm or 2.5mm thread pitch, and it seems to measure 1.25mm pitch.
Maybe this is metric grade and SAE measurements (?) and i am still looking, but thought i'd see if anyone here has some experience with this.
Thanks!

 

That bolt along with many other Ford chassis/suspension bolts is indeed metric. Personally I'd order what's needed from Ford instead of looking online or at generic hardware sellers. The worn out phrase "there's a lot riding on this....." never fit so well.

Because that bolt is a combination wear element and suspension support part the proper fit and strength is of maximum importance.

Visit or call a local Ford dealership OR big truck spring shop to either order the parts or buy from someone on the business.

Just my opinion so proceed as you believe works best.

 

Take a look:

Leaf Spring Eye METRIC Bolt, Grade 8 18mmx140mm**FREE SHIPPING**

We sell these all day long for the E series for those years. Grade 10.9 metric w/ Washers & Nut.

Let me know if I can help you with anything else!


-Junior

 

I gotta say I have never seen a break like that, it looks like a twisting force caused it, yet the geometry of the suspension, the way it's mounted and moves makes such an angle impossible. I have broke many, one was on a 15 Ton Euclid off road dump truck.

 

Thanks for the input JWA - That's what I sort of planned on I put the old one back in just to get that side done but i won't be going anywhere with it until i get a new set of bolts!

ATS Junior- I did get a metric pitch gauge and found it's 2.5. I'd been trying to match it to the existing nut, but i'll get a couple of those you linked and not have to worry. I realized as well that I'd taken the overall length and coverted instead of the shaft part, so the 140mm with washers ought to do it Thanks!

Maples01 - i actually cut that with a diamond grinding blade. I'd heated the bushing and it was too hard to turn against the rubber twist that resulted. Now i know one solution is to melt the whole bushing out if needed! (Saw it on YouTube)

 

For removal, I always cut the bolt on each side with a reciprocating saw, you aren't to reuse the bolts anyway.
BTW how did you get it to twist that far still connected on the other side.

 

Thanks - I have 2 coming in the mail I had to get it together to move it. I have to get it inspected soon, and i couldn't find the bolts from the places i wanted to order the springs & shackles from. I'd had it inspected and the rear spring shackles were noted, and something i knew already but planned to replace and the springs i figured were probably worn out.
I did get the rest done, although I had to drill out the frame holes a tiny bit because the new shackle mounts used 7/16" bolts. I also had to ream out the u-bolt plate just a bit as the center bolt on the new spring packs was a bit bigger.
So, i'd say the part are not an "exact" replacement. I don't know about other spring suppliers' products (and not sure it's ok to mention who they are here, but i will send them feedback (not that i expect they'll add notes on the website or include instructions). Those are things anyone replacing major components ought to be capable of, but notes are nice.
I bought this van last year for $1200 from the company to whom my brother & I sold our business, and although it's old, it's a known quantity with 200K on it. I replaced the radiatior, and the entire brake system, including lines except for the RABS unit and emergency brake cabling, and the tie rod ends, drive shaft u-joints and fixed the speedo sensor at the gearbox.
I hope the drive train holds up. I did replace an engine/tranny combo in my '73 straight-6 Nova but that was almost 30 years ago, and this V-8 is a whole different beast!
I want to replace the leaf spring u-bolts too, and the shocks all around. Although they seem pretty strong and no sign of leaking, I am not sure how old they are - by the rust i wonder if they are original. Ahh, always more to fix, but first priority is to get it past inspection so i can register it here in Maryland!