Broken leaf spring shackle
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Broken leaf spring shackle
Hey! New to the posting to the forums but always come to them for help. I got a 99 F150 4x4 and I realized the other day my rear left leaf spring shackle broke.I've already got the new shackle just can't seem to get the bolt out of the bottom part of the shackle. The bolt in the part of the shackle in the mount seems to be completely locked up. I've tried lots of PB blaster and even tried cutting the shackle with a sawsall and new blade but could barely make a scratch. I'm not someone with a ton of tools so I don't have a cutting torch or anything really fancy, just basic stuff. I'm planning on taking it in Monday but figured I'd ask and see if anyone knows the secret to getting the bolt out of the shackle.
Appreciate any advice! I'm completely out of ideas on what to do now.
Appreciate any advice! I'm completely out of ideas on what to do now.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 72
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From: S. NH
I just tackled this job a few weeks ago... I've never been lucky enough to get one where the bolt actually comes out.
Here's what I typically do to get them out:
1) Use a grinder to grind the nut / head of the bolt off. ( A cheap harbor freight one will work for this, if you don't currently own one).
2) Use a ball joint press tool to push the bolt out through the bushing. (you can rent this at autozone / advance auto).
Sometimes the bolt doesn't move from the bushing, in those cases I try to press the whole bushing out... Most Shackles come with a new bushing.
Also, you may have to get the back end really high, to clearance the ball joint press.
Here's what I typically do to get them out:
1) Use a grinder to grind the nut / head of the bolt off. ( A cheap harbor freight one will work for this, if you don't currently own one).
2) Use a ball joint press tool to push the bolt out through the bushing. (you can rent this at autozone / advance auto).
Sometimes the bolt doesn't move from the bushing, in those cases I try to press the whole bushing out... Most Shackles come with a new bushing.
Also, you may have to get the back end really high, to clearance the ball joint press.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
you take a die grinder with a wafer wheel ( real thin) or a sawzall and cut inside the hanger up against the shock ... the nut falls off one side, the bolt head falls off the other, and the stud is stuck inside the shock mount.
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Alright, I'm gonna try the torch and see if that'll get it off. I have a propane torch, just didn't think it'd get hot enough to make a difference. If that fails I guess I'll have to cut the bolt head off, I was trying to avoid it since there's no going back after. I appreciate the help, I'll let you know if it works.
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