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I'm trying to remove the rear springs and I can not get the rear bolt out because it hits the frame (the nut should have been on the inside of the spring, not the bolt head). I thought I would just remove the shackle but I can NOT get the bolt out of the shackle. I got the nut off of one side after a long time of grunting, cussing, straining, etc... The bolt will NOT come out and I am now stuck... I tried to give myself a break and work on the driver side but the shackle is damn near impossible to turn (like the passenger side was). Yes, I have heated, PB Blastered it, waited, repeated, etc... I'm seriously stuck and can't continue due to this. ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!
It's been a while since I did this, but as I recall, I removed the lower shackle bolt, not the upper one for the very reason you state. The lower bolt has it's nut next to the frame so it can be removed much easier. Thus the spring will come out with the rear shackle attached. Once off the truck, you can easily remove. Anyway, that how it was on my 2000.
If I'm misunderstanding and you are working on the lower bolt and it's stuck in there. Overnight soak, then try again in the AM with your air wrench. Last resort; blue tip wrench and find a new/used shackle.
Thank you! Okay, so I am not losing my mind trying to figure out how to get the upper bolt out. Yes, it is the lower that is stuck and it seems like it will be on the driver's side as well. I will soak with penetrating oil and hope for the best in the morning. I really don't want to have to cut anything. Thank you again, I really appreciate it!!!!
If you've never heard of it, Kroil (creeping oil) and heat alternatively will get it out. Takes time and patience, hit it with heat, then spray it liberally with kroil, go in and relax for the night. Get it in the morning, it will surrender.
Is there a particular store that sells Kroil? I will go look for it... I would use a punch and hammer but the spring is still in the truck and there is no way for me to get to the end of the bolt (where the nut starts); I only have access to the head. I may end up cutting but as silly as it sounds, I'm thinking I could grind the head off the bolt but I have no idea how I would reach the end of the bolt (where the nut starts). I think I would go through a million saw-zaw blades because I assume these bolts are grade 8 or something similar. I may have bitten off more than I can chew on this spring replacement project... Took today off work; hopefully i get somewhere. Thank you all for responding and if you have any other ideas, thoughts, suggestions or simply want to make fun of me, please do. If you are in the Denver metro area, stop by, I'll get you the beverage of choice and keep your belly full and you can be the live audience for the show called "When this poor sap tries something he has never done before". If not, enjoy your Saturday!
I think you'll be successful today! The hardened (non-harbor freight) sawzall blades will cut through those with some patience; grinding works well also. Not a bad idea to cut the head off, pound it toward the frame, cut another 2'' off and keep pounding until she comes free. I think any penetrating oil will do at this point. I like Roberts' idea of heating the spring shackle to break up that rust zone between the bolt and eye.
I assume the bolt is spinning in the "sleeve" inside the bushing... I heated the shackle and the rubber is a smoking but I doubt any heat is getting to the sleeve...
Tried prying, spinning, hoping, praying.... had to resort to Oldguyfl's suggestion - cut... 4" grinder and the passenger side came off pretty quick. Driver side, not so much. The inner side of the shackle between the hanger and it doesn't give the grinder enough room... Gonna try a 5" wheel... New shackles purchased.
Tried prying, spinning, hoping, praying.... had to resort to Oldguyfl's suggestion - cut... 4" grinder and the passenger side came off pretty quick. Driver side, not so much. The inner side of the shackle between the hanger and it doesn't give the grinder enough room... Gonna try a 5" wheel... New shackles purchased.
Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. You might have spent 2 days getting that sucker out of there.
Since you are buying new shackles, cut the shackle 90 degrees a few inches down to where you are now. Then the spring will be out of the way and you can do what you did earlier
